LIVED EXPERIENCES OF STRAY CAT AND DOG RESCUERS

The Lived Experiences of Stray Cats and Dogs Rescuers: A Qualitative

Analysis on Motivations, Rewards, and Challenges

Yancy A. Cantonao

Allessandro N. De Leon

Kurt Tristan G. Herrera

Ken Denizon A. Lara

Harvey L. San Vicente

Juan Sumulong Memorial Junior College

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

This chapter includes, Nature and Background of the Study, Statement of the Problem, Purpose of

the Study, Significance of the Study, and Scope and limitations

1.1 Nature and Background of the Study

The issue of stray animals is a common problem throughout the world, and while there is a

growing body of research on animal welfare and the human-animal bond, there is still much to be

learned about the experiences of those who actively engage in rescue behavior. Despite growing

public awareness of animal welfare issues, the experiences of people who rescue stray cats and

dogs are understudied, leaving gaps in our understanding of this critical aspect of animal welfare.

Research done by Justin A. Yerbury and Paul D. McGreevy (2021) found that the. A study

conducted here in the Philippines by (Renee M. Ha et al., 2019) found that while many Filipinos

consider dogs and cats to be important members of their families. The study also found that there

are significant differences in attitudes towards dogs and cats between urban and rural areas, with

urban residents generally having more positive attitudes towards pets.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

This research aims to answer the following questions:

1. What are the experiences of individuals who rescue stray cats and dogs, and what factors

motivate them to engage in this work?

2. How do individuals who rescue stray cats and dogs navigate the challenges of this work,

and what rewards do they experience as a result of their efforts?

1.3 Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this study is to explore the lived experiences of stray cat and dog rescuers,

with a focus on understanding their motivations, challenges, and rewards. By gaining insight into

the experiences of rescuers, this study aims to contribute to a better understanding of the human-

animal bond and the role that animal rescue plays in society. The findings of this study may

inform the development of interventions and support systems for rescuers, ultimately improving

the welfare of stray animals and the people who care for them. Ultimately this study’s main

strength is to further expand the under-researched field of animal rescue.

1.4 Significance of the Study

This study will be beneficial to the following:

Animal welfare organizations and advocacy groups: The study can provide insights into

the lives of rescuers, and help organizations better understand the needs and experiences of

those who work on the frontlines of animal rescue and care.

Policy makers and government agencies: The study can inform policy and legislation

aimed at promoting animal welfare and reducing the number of stray animals in

communities.

Rescuers and volunteers: The study can validate the experiences of rescuers and

volunteers, and provide them with a platform to share their stories and perspectives.

The general public: The study can raise awareness about the challenges of animal rescue

and care, and help foster a greater appreciation for the work of rescuers.
LIVED EXPERIENCES OF STRAY CAT AND DOG RESCUERS

Future researchers: Our study can provide a foundation for further research on animal

welfare and rescue work.

1.5 Scope and Limitation

The study will focus on full time or part-time rescuers that have been doing their work for

a time that makes them have sufficient experiences so that they can answer provided questions.

The requirements we have set for participants are: Active involvement in animal rescue,

Diversity in rescue experiences, Age requirement and most importantly availability. Our study is

likely to involve in-depth interviews, slight observations, or other similar methods of data

collection to gather rich and detailed information about the experiences of stray animal rescuers.

It will also focus on a geographic area, municipalities, towns, or suburbs near Taytay, Rizal. This

might limit the study on generalizability. The limiting factors might also include: Participant

Bias, some participants might be reluctant to share negative experiences therefore gaining bad

and untrusted data. Recall Bias might also be in play because participants might not recall their

experiences correctly or even falsely remembering experiences.

CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter includes the definition of terms, the theoretical framework, the literature review, and

the conceptual framework.

2.1 Definition of Terms

Rescuers/Animal Rescuer – a person who saves animals and cares for them with hopes to find

new homes for the animals.

Animal welfare organization – an organization or a group that specialises on animals ranging

from wild to domesticated.

Psychological – related to the mind or an emotional state of a person

Burnout – state of exhaustion

Anxiety – feeling of nervousness

Stakeholder – a person that has an interest or involved in something

Financial strain – a term used for telling if something is expensive or expensive to one’s expense.

2.2 Theoretical Framework

Self-determination theory (SDT) by Richard Ryan and Edward Deci(1977) is the most

relevant theoretical framework for our research. SDT is a theory of human motivation that posits

that people are driven by three basic psychological needs: autonomy, competence, and relatedness.

The reason why we used SDT as a framework for our research is because of the three

aforementioned psychological needs, autonomy competence and relatedness. Autonomy refers to

the feeling of being in control of one’s own life, this can be related to our research because rescuers

are doing this on their own will. Competence refers to the confidence of one’s capabilities, this can

be related to our research because rescuers they were confident enough to move forward with their

decision. Relatedness refers to one’s relatability, in the context of our research, rescuers might feel

sympathy for the animals they are rescuing therefore becoming a key factor in motivation.

2.3 Literature Review

2.3.1 Public Opinions on Strategies for Managing Stray Cats and Predictors of Opposition to

Trap-Neuter and Return in Brisbane, Australia

This study focuses on public opinions and predictors of opposition to managing stray cats

in Brisbane, Australia. The article presents the results of a survey conducted among 305 patients

and staff from 84 medical and dental practices across Brisbane City. The survey aimed to

investigate community attitudes towards urban stray cats and their management. The study found

the majority supporting trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs as a humane way to control the

population. A significant proportion of respondents opposed TNR programs, telling concerns

about the impact on wildlife, public health, and property damage. This study highlights of the

importance of understanding community attitudes towards stray animals and their management,

which can impact the effectiveness of animal welfare policies and programs. This is relevant to

stray animal rescuers who work within communities to improve the welfare of stray animals. The

study's emphasis on the use of TNR programs as a humane way to control the population of stray

cats also aligns with the approach taken by many stray animal rescuers who advocate for the use

of such programs.

2.3.2 Exploring Empathy, Compassion Fatigue, and Burnout among Feral Cat Caregivers

This study examines the emotional dynamics and consequences of feral cat

caregiving across a variety of interactional settings. The study is based on four years of

ethnographic observations, interviews, and full participation in the work of feral cat caregivers.

The study finds that feral cat caregiving is often conducted in the context of a lack of

understanding from otherwise sympathetic friends and relatives, as well as opposition and

stigmatization from others who are unsympathetic to the work. Caregivers face emotional

stressors such as compassion fatigue and burnout due to the challenging nature of their work.

They also experience stress due to the victimization of cats by other species or anti-cat people.

The ability to take the role of the nonhuman other facilitates empathic concern among caregivers,

which in turn helps them cope with the emotional challenges they face. The researchers find this

highly relevant as it highlights the emotional toll and consequences of caring for feral cats, which
LIVED EXPERIENCES OF STRAY CAT AND DOG RESCUERS

can be similar to those experienced by stray animal rescuers who may also face a lack of

understanding and opposition from others. This lack of support can lead to emotional stressors

such as compassion fatigue and burnout. The study also underscores the importance of empathic

concern towards animals in facilitating the caregiving process.

2.3.3 Conflicting Perspectives on Nonhuman Animal Rescues in Natural Disasters

This study explores the complex dynamics surrounding animal rescues during natural

disasters. The authors note that nonhuman animal guardians are more at risk during natural

disasters because they are likely. The authors found that the multiple moral evaluations of animals

and animal rescue were a source of misunderstanding and conflict during and after a disaster. In

addition to guardians, disaster planners, rescue personnel, and other community members

influence which animals are saved and how. The study concludes by suggesting potential

solutions for ensuring the safety of both humans and animals during natural disasters. The study

on animal rescues sheds light on the dynamics that can impact the rescue efforts of stray animal

rescuers. The findings suggest that moral tests of animals can be a source of misunderstanding and

conflict, which can complicate rescue efforts and delay responses. Similar to the guardians of

nonhuman animals during natural disasters, stray animal rescuers may face similar risks and

challenges when trying to rescue animals in times of crisis. These individuals may also face

opposition from others who do not share their views on animal rescue or the value of animal lives.

The study's call for clear guidelines for animal rescue efforts, increasing public education, and

promoting collaboration between people can also be applied to the work of stray animal rescuers.

2.3.4 Critical Problems for Research in Animal Sheltering, a Conceptual Analysis

This is a research article that identifies and enumerate the most pressing issues in animal

sheltering that require further study The authors, argue that while there has been an increase in

participation in animal shelter research over the past few decades, there are still many gaps in
LIVED EXPERIENCES OF STRAY CAT AND DOG RESCUERS

knowledge that need to be addressed. Until now the authors define seven key areas for research:

animal behavior, adoptions and special needs populations, medical conditions, disease

transmission, community, ecology and wellness, operations, and public-private-academic-

corporate collaboration. With each of these areas, they review specific problems and highlight

examples of successes in each area over the past several decades. Under the category of animal

behavior, the authors note that there is a need for more research on how to reduce stress and

anxiety in shelter animals. As animal rescuers work in animal shelters or with animals that may

end up in shelters, their experiences and work are directly impacted by the issues identified in this

research article. For example, animal rescuers may encounter animals with behavioral issues.

Understanding these issues and the need for further research can help animal rescuers to better

care for animals

2.3.5 Psychological Distress Among Non-Human Animal Rescue Workers: An Exploratory Study

This study tackles the relevance of psychological distress among non-human animal rescue

workers. The study used an online survey-based cross-sectional correlational design to collect data

from 340 animal rescue workers. The survey contained several sociodemographic and work-

related items, as well as measures of compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic

stress. The results showed that a significant percent of animal rescue workers experienced high

levels of burnout and secondary traumatic stress, while compassion satisfaction was relatively

low. This study shows the importance of understanding and addressing the psychological impact

of animal rescue work, including the experiences of those who rescue stray animals. It suggests

that strategies for supporting and protecting the mental health of animal rescue workers, such as

providing access to mental health resources and implementing organizational policies that

prioritize worker well-being, may also be relevant for those involved in rescuing stray animals.
LIVED EXPERIENCES OF STRAY CAT AND DOG RESCUERS

2.3.6 Partners, not pounds: There is more to animal welfare than rounding up strays

An online article by Maro Enriquez(2022) highlights the efforts of Pawssion Project, a

shelter in the Philippines, to rescue and care for stray animals. The founder, Malou Perez, was

initially motivated to save dogs on "death row" at a local pound and eventually established shelters

in Bacolod and Bulacan. The article discusses the overwhelming problem of stray animals in the

Philippines, with an estimated 13 million strays, and the lack of education on animal welfare and

responsible pet ownership. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) also expressed

concern over the increasing crisis of animal homelessness and encouraged adoption from rescue

groups and animal shelters.

The article explores different perspectives on addressing the issue of stray animals. The

local government has the authority to impound strays and regulate animal keeping but not everyone

agrees with this approach, arguing that stray animals should not suffer the consequences of not

having a home. Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs, such as the one practiced by Linda Bansil

and Dada Mendizabel, are considered a humane way to control the stray population. However, the

Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) suggests that keeping all animals within homes or establishments

is necessary to prevent the spread of diseases like rabies.

The fear of rabies among the population contributes to the stigma surrounding stray

animals. While the government provides free anti-rabies vaccinations for domesticated animals, it

falls short in addressing the overpopulation problem. Greater involvement from local government

units (LGUs) and allocation of budgets for animal welfare are seen as potential solutions.

The article also mentions innovative approaches to address the issue. The Quezon City

LGU plans to train rescued or surrendered stray dogs as service animals, while microchipping

initiatives aim to identify and reunite lost pets with their owners. The city veterinarian in San Jose
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del Monte, Bulacan, plans to implement microchipping and free spaying and neutering activities to

regulate pet ownership and promote responsible practices.

In conclusion, the article emphasizes the need for education, empathy, and improved

conditions in dealing with stray animals. It highlights the importance of collective efforts from

individuals, organizations, and local governments to tackle the stray animal crisis in the

Philippines.

2.4 Conceptual Framework

RESCUERS MOTIVATIONS CHALLENGES REWARDS

Autonomy Sympathy Financial Sense of purpose

Competence Confidence Stress/Burn out Personal

Growth
Relatedness Obligation Lack of support Social Connections

To explain our framework, we have to start at rescuers. Rescuers has 3 factors that could lead to

being motivated to do rescue work, autonomy, competence, and relatedness, we explained the meaning of

each in our theoretical framework but to summarize: autonomy refers to one’s ability to control, competence

refers to one’s confidence and relatedness refers to one’s sympathy. The 3 factors mentioned could lead to

the rescuer to look for a motivation. When the rescuer gets motivated and moves forward with his/her

decision, he/she will encounter challenges that will vary from financial problems to general lack of support.

If the rescuer pushes through, he/she might encounter rewards that might fill them with a sense of purpose, a

sense of personal growth, and more social connections.

CHAPTER 3

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter includes the Research design, Research Locale, The Respondents, Research ethics,

research instruments, Data collection procedure, and data analysis procedure.

3.1 Research Design

The appropriate design our research should use is narrative research. Narrative research is a

qualitative research design that involves collecting and analyzing stories or personal narratives. It

aims to understand how individuals make sense of their experiences by exploring the stories they

tell about their lives. In our study, the researchers could collect stories from stray cats and dogs

rescuers and analyse them to gain insight into their motivations, rewards, and challenges. A study

done by Robert L. Young and Carol Y. Thompson(2020) that is about exploring empathy,

compassion fatigue, and burnout among feral cat caregivers, supports our decision by using

ethnographic observations and interviews to conduct the research. These methods are often

associated with narrative research, which emphasizes the importance of personal stories of

participants.

3.2 Research Locale

This study will be conducted in the select municipalities in the province of Rizal, the

researchers have determined animal shelters in Taytay, Rizal were not sufficient to satisfy our

criteria so the researchers had to expand their scope.

These municipalities harbour animal shelters that fit our criteria.

3.3 The Respondents

In order to qualify for the study, the respondents should have: A 5 year minimum of

experience in rescuing stray cats and dogs, either as volunteers or professionals.; A willingness to

participate in the study and share their experiences through interviews. In terms of demographic

profile, it may be relevant to include factors such as their age. It is possible that younger rescuers

may have different experiences than older rescuers due to generational differences in attitudes

towards animal welfare. Another factor could be education level, as those with a higher level of

education may have different perceptions on animal rescue work and may approach it differently

than those with less education., Geographic location is important as rescuers in rural areas may

have different challenges than those in urban areas. Gender could also be a relevant factor, as

women may make up a larger proportion of rescuers and may face unique challenges in a male-

dominated field.

3.4 Research Ethics

The following are research ethics that our study will use. Honesty and integrity is essential,

being honest and transparent with participants about the research's purpose, potential risks and

benefits, and their rights and responsibilities as research subjects is critical. Carefulness, when

dealing with sensitive topics such as animal rescue. The study must be conducted with care to

avoid causing harm to the participants, both physically and psychologically. Responsible

publication is a crucial ethical principle in research. In the case of our study, the researchers must

ensure that the findings are accurately reported, and any limitations and biases are acknowledged.

Objectivity is another crucial ethical principle in research. This principle is particularly important

in the study of animal rescue, as it involves an emotional topic that may lead to biases in the

researcher's interpretation of data. Therefore, the researchers must remain objective throughout the

study to ensure the validity of the findings. Openness emphasizes the importance of transparency

and communication between the researcher and participants. The researchers must be open with

participants about the research's purpose and the researchers must be willing to address any

concerns or questions participants may have during the study. Finally, confidentiality emphasizes

the importance of protecting participants' privacy and personal information. The researcher must

ensure that participants' identities and personal information are kept confidential throughout the

study.

3.5 Research Instruments

The study will use interviews as the main form of data collection. A semi-structured

interview will work as the researchers will ask about their experiences as animal rescuers, one

question will lead to another. As our study will use a narrative research design, the questions

should be open-ended and flexible, allowing the participants to share their experiences in their

own words and providing the opportunity for the researchers to follow up on specific details as

needed. Multiple tools will be used on the interview process, those are: audio recorders, a

notebook and pen, and a questionnaire.

3.6 Data Collection Procedure

First, the data collection procedure will begin with identifying and contacting potential

participants, followed by obtaining informed consent from those who agree to participate. Second,

the interviewee will be suggested with a preferred date and location. Third, the interview will be

conducted either in-person or via video conferencing software, depending on the preferences of

the participants. Fourth, the interviews will be conducted using a semi-structured interview

protocol that allows for flexibility in the questioning and probe for additional information as

needed. Fifth, an audio recorder will be used to record the interviews, and notes will also be taken

to capture non-verbal cues.

3.7 Data Analysis Procedure

For the data analysis procedure in our study, we propose a narrative analysis approach to

the study. Narrative analysis refers to a cluster of analytic methods for interpreting texts or visual

data that have a storied form(Lia Figgou, Vassilis Pavlopoulos, 2020). First, the recorded

interviews will be transcribed verbatim and checked for accuracy. The transcriptions will then be

read multiple times to gain an overall understanding of the data. These themes will be presented in

a narrative format, supported by quotes and examples from the interviews. The analysis will be

conducted in an iterative process, with the stories constantly reviewed and refined throughout the

analysis. The stories identified will be examined to understand the underlying meaning of the data

and to identify any patterns or trends that emerge.