Meet Inga: Kennel Supervisor at RATS

At RATS, it’s the people behind the kennels who make the real difference. This month, we’re introducing Inga, one of our dedicated kennel supervisors, who shares her journey into rescue work, what daily life at the kennels looks like, and the moments that make it all worthwhile.

Inga’s Story 

I'm Inga, and I work at the RATS kennels as a kennel supervisor four days a week. I have always been an animal lover and, as a child, had just about every type of pet you can imagine!

Journey to the rescue

Working in animal rescue has always been my dream. However, as a single parent to a young son, it wasn’t initially possible to pursue that path, so I took on local roles that fitted around school hours. Once he started senior school, I had more flexibility and decided to invest in myself by training as a fully qualified Reiki practitioner with the hope of one day using it to help animals.

In 2016, I was encouraged to start my own dog walking and pet sitting business, so I launched Walkies. I thoroughly enjoyed the role - the independence, the time spent outdoors, and, of course, the company of dogs (I have always felt most at home with them). Despite loving the work, my ambition to work in rescue never left me.

In 2022, I was made aware of a sanctuary position and successfully interviewed for the role. It felt like a long-awaited opportunity. Unfortunately, after six months, I had to step away as the role became physically and emotionally overwhelming. With 60 dogs and limited staff, much of the day was spent cleaning, and I often left feeling disheartened that I hadn’t been able to give the dogs the time they truly deserved - despite giving everything I had. I was also disappointed not to have been able to use Reiki as much as I had hoped, as it can be incredibly beneficial for animals, particularly those in a rescue environment.

Joining RATS came about by chance when a friend mentioned a vacancy advertised on Facebook. I’ll admit I hadn’t previously heard of the charity, but I applied and began my role in July 2023.

A typical day

A typical day at the kennels begins with preparing breakfast and feeding the dogs in my block, followed by thorough cleaning of the kennels and replenishing fresh water. When the volunteers arrive, I prepare the dogs for their walks and settle them back into their kennels afterwards.

Throughout the day, I also maintain the outdoor areas, including poo-picking the gardens and exercise field, managing laundry, and washing up breakfast bowls if needed. Any remaining time is dedicated to the dogs themselves - providing enrichment, playtime, or simply quiet companionship and cuddles, depending on what each dog needs most.

As part of the creative team within the RATS marketing team, I am responsible for photography for social media and the annual RATS calendar. Capturing the dogs’ personalities through photos is something I genuinely love. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that these images help them gain visibility online and, ultimately, find their forever homes.

Challenges

One of the biggest challenges of the role is working outdoors in all weather conditions. Winters can be particularly harsh, and prolonged rain means constant mud and damp conditions - for both us and the dogs. It certainly requires resilience and a decent pair of wellies.

Memorable moments

There have been many memorable moments during my time at RATS, but one that stands out is Zack, the Cane Corso who arrived from the pound in March 2024. He came with a deeply upsetting background and was completely shut down around people. He looked utterly broken.

I committed to earning his trust, often staying after my shift to offer Reiki or simply sit quietly and read to him. Gradually, he began to respond. He grew braver, allowed gentle strokes, and eventually took treats from my hand. It was clear he longed for affection; he simply needed patience and consistency. Watching him learn to trust again was incredibly moving.

Zack was one of the fortunate ones who found a wonderful new home. Saying goodbye was difficult, but seeing him leave for a better life made it worthwhile.

Favourite part of the job

My favourite part of the role is showing dogs who have been mistreated that not all humans are unkind. There is nothing quite like the moment a nervous or shut-down dog chooses to trust you. When they sit beside you and you feel their body finally relax, it’s an indescribable privilege - and one I never take for granted.

While our role is to save and rehabilitate dogs, after some particularly difficult years in my own life, I’ve come to realise that the dogs have, in many ways, been saving me too. In their quiet companionship, in the weight of a head resting on my lap, in the first wag from a once-frightened tail, I found small moments of light during some very dark times. They gave me purpose when I felt lost, connection when I felt alone, and hope when I was running low on it. They bring laughter into busy kennels, gentleness into difficult days, and a reminder of why the work matters. Their resilience, their capacity to trust again, and their unwavering loyalty are simply remarkable.

On a personal level, one of the hardest aspects of the job is not bringing them all home. It’s impossible not to form attachments when you spend so much time caring for them. However, there is also immense joy in watching them leave for their new lives and receiving updates that confirm they are safe, loved, and thriving - exactly as they deserve.

We’re grateful to Inga for taking the time to share her story and for the dedication she brings to the kennels each day. It’s through conversations like this that people can better understand what rescue work really involves - the challenges, the commitment, and the small but meaningful moments that make it so worthwhile.