law enforcement officer

customer service representative

veterinary assistant

veterinary technician

animal technician

Humane Society Pikes Peak Region

My experience at this company was marked by significant challenges related to workplace culture and management practices. In my time there, the environment often felt unprofessional, with conversations and interactions that created an uncomfortable and difficult atmosphere. This seemed to foster a culture where favoritism, exclusion, and inconsistent treatment of employees were common, not only among coworkers but also within supervisory and management ranks. I felt that accountability from leadership was limited, as concerns raised by staff members frequently appeared to be dismissed or overlooked unless multiple people corroborated them. In my own situation, I experienced accusations from a supervisor that, to my knowledge, were not formally addressed, which contributed to ongoing workplace tension and discomfort. Efforts to resolve these issues through standard internal channels were, in my experience, unsuccessful and only escalated to higher-level leadership when persistence was applied. Even then, noticeable improvements to the working environment did not occur during my tenure. Training practices and leadership consistency also varied widely. Certain trainers, in my observation, neglected their instructional responsibilities, relying heavily on trainees for workload coverage without adequate guidance. It was my perception that personal relationships sometimes influenced staffing and advancement decisions more than demonstrated skill or experience, which negatively affected overall team effectiveness and morale. The company’s approach to handling employee concerns and disciplinary actions appeared inconsistent and unpredictable, which contributed to a sense of low morale across departments including animal care, customer service, and veterinary services. I remain in contact with a number of current employees who, in conversations, have expressed ongoing dissatisfaction with similar aspects of the workplace environment. Although I valued the nature of the work itself and maintained professionalism throughout my employment, the overall workplace culture made it difficult for me to envision a long-term future with the organization. Ultimately, I chose to separate from the company without providing formal notice, and this decision was accepted without penalty or issue. It’s important to note that the concerns I encountered were not isolated to my experience alone. To my understanding, these types of issues had been raised with leadership through various formal and informal feedback opportunities, including exit interviews and internal reporting channels. In summary, while the role held meaningful and rewarding aspects, the combination of inconsistent management practices, limited accountability, perceived favoritism, variable training quality, and ongoing workplace challenges had a significantly negative impact on my overall employee experience. I would encourage prospective employees to thoughtfully consider these factors when evaluating opportunities with this organization.

Working at HSPPR had the potential to be a deeply fulfilling experience. The mission is important, the animals are at the heart of everything, and many of the people I worked with were incredibly kind, knowledgeable, and supportive. My coworkers made a genuine difference in my day-to-day experience—I learned a great deal thanks to their patience, guidance, and willingness to help. Their compassion and professionalism were the highlight of my time there.

Unfortunately, my overall experience was significantly overshadowed by the conduct of management. From early on, I felt consistently unsupported, scrutinized, and at times, demeaned—particularly in relation to my genetic disability. Rather than being met with understanding or encouragement, I was often treated with impatience and condescension when navigating tasks that required some time and adaptation.

Instead of fostering growth and creating a space where learning was supported, leadership often responded with visible frustration and negativity. Feedback was rarely constructive and often delivered in a way that felt personal rather than professional. It created a culture of fear and self-doubt, rather than one of collaboration and development.

While I was committed to doing my best, open to learning, and eager to contribute, I was made to feel like a problem rather than a valuable member of the team. Despite doing everything in my power to succeed, the lack of support from leadership made it clear this was not a sustainable or healthy environment.

HSPPR would benefit greatly from investing in leadership training focused on empathy, communication, and inclusion—especially when it comes to supporting employees with disabilities or those new to the field. No one should feel belittled for asking questions, learning at their own pace, or needing fair treatment.

This could be an incredible place to work if leadership reflected the same compassion and professionalism shown by many of the staff. Until that changes, I cannot recommend it as a supportive or respectful workplace.

Company doesn't train equally or properly. (Some employees have been in the shelter for over a year and are not properly signed off on their training. Due to lack of management or call offs.)
Write ups for issues not pertaining to you.
Job description(s) do not entail everything you do- most of the time you are doing everyone else's job but your own and then get written up for "not doing your job."
Unacceptable pay rate for what is expected.
Company does not accept doctor's notes even if your absence is excused prior (for PTO/Sick leave, ect.) You will get written up.
Most management is very unprofessional. Some managers will leave harassing voicemails on personal days or scheduled days off.
No overtime pay unless it is granted to you such as overnights, but you will never leave the shelter on time when your shift is supposed to end. (You will get written up for being 5 mins past clock out time, will also be written up if you leave when  you are supposed to clock out and daily job(s) are not finished. )
Some staff are friendly, but making friends within company seems to be frowned upon.
All insurance benefits seemed to be cut or switched except healthcare insurance.
There are no job security or advancement opportunities. 
___

Staff works very hard to keep shelter clean and professional.
Staff works very well with all animals in shelter, makes sure every single one is handled with care and cared for with compassion.
All animals are enriched almost everyday.
Kennels are cleaned and spot checked throughout the day.
Most of staff is friendly and happy to help when it is needed.
Shelter does it's best to portray a good role model for the community.

The employees who handle day to day operations are true heroes. The pay for the amount of work is awful and there is absolutely no support or empathy from upper management. You can put your everything and all your passion into this job only to be met with disregard for your own health or personal struggles.

I loved working there. It was wonderful. That being said it could be emotionally hard, working in a shelter for animals is the only job where sometimes the beings you are trying to help will be euthanized. The policies for the most part are very good and the staff get meeting and care to deal with compassion fatigue and stress.

HSPPR has a great mission and displays an image that is not true to what actually happens in the shelter. Employees are treated as pawns. Management is unable to complete the same tasks they ask of employees. Write ups that are frivolous, served weeks sometimes months after the alleged issue. Management is a joke and attempts to pit employees against each other. Sometimes there is free pizza or donuts. Beware of “leadership”. 

The general public is insanely rude, place gets locked down, and patrons are constantly kicked out for misbehaving. 

The people are doing their best but it’s time they hire a security guard (or two) 

Management seemed ill equipped to support staff with such a chaotic and outright aggressive environment. 



I learned so much at this location, I participated in so many outreach and activities that this shelter put forth for the animals that walked into through those doors. I am truly blesses to be able to say I worked for such and incredible company

Managers and coworkers are great to work with and supportive, but the job is very sad at times and very  physically demanding. Pay also isn’t the best, but the company is a nonprofit. Can be rewarding if you’re passionate about what you do. 

As I said, it’s okay. Benefits are good, depends all what department you work in, but usually the departments aren’t great at working together. But it is what it is. So if you keep your head down just do your job you will be fine. 

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Law enforcement officer 11 salaries reported	$22.36 per hour
Customer service representative 5 salaries reported	$16.00 per hour
Veterinary assistant 20 salaries reported	$16.66 per hour
Veterinary technician 13 salaries reported	$21.79 per hour
Animal technician 3 salaries reported	$16.17 per hour

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