Volunteer Tail: Farrah Buchanan of Animal Haven Helps Animals in Need

Farrah Buchanan had always aspired to be a veterinarian; she had hoped that a career as a vet would help her achieve her personal goal of helping animals on an individual basis. Though Buchanan ultimately did not go on to become a vet, she has certainly lived out her passion of helping animals, leading a life filled with personal service to furry friends in need.

Buchanan’s story of volunteerism begins with her root desire to be intimately involved with animals and her aspiration to make a difference in the lives of pets in need. After moving to New York in the early 2000s, Buchanan sought out animal shelters where she could volunteer on the weekends as needed. After a bit of research, Buchanan found Animal Haven, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit animal shelter that was then situated in Queens.

At the shelter, Buchanan did not hesitate to jump right in and get her hands dirty. During her spare time, she volunteered at Animal Haven, assisting with dog walks, cleaning cages and playing with the pets at the shelter. For Buchanan, Animal Haven provided an outlet for her to pursue her passion, even if her day job didn’t necessarily.

As years went by, Buchanan continued to be involved with Animal Haven, volunteering as she could and always remaining closely associated with the shelter, which eventually moved its facility from Queens to Manhattan. As time continued to pass, Buchanan became so passionate about her work with the shelter that she decided she needed another avenue to pursue her volunteer work. It was at this point in time that Buchanan made the decision to join Animal Haven’s Board of Directors.

As a member of the Board of Directors, Buchanan finally had a chance to combine her professional life with her passion, using her business savvy to ensure the overall health of the shelter’s operation. In her role as a member of the Board, Buchanan continues to make not only a personal, but a financial commitment to Animal Haven, working tirelessly to raise the shelter’s profile, which will ultimately help the animals who currently call Animal Haven home.

Buchanan’s life, specifically the pursuit of her passion to help animals, has been shaped by her involvement with Animal Haven. Even when she isn’t acting in an official capacity on behalf of the shelter, Buchanan works to aid Animal Haven through fundraising, including raising money for the shelter through athletic events she takes part in, such as marathons and triathlons. Her latest fundraising effort will be her participation in the MightyMan Montauk, a triathlon taking place on September 30. In not so recent events, Buchanan raised funds for Animal Haven when she summited Mount Kilimanjaro. . .on her honeymoon!

For Buchanan, supporting Animal Haven and working as a member of the Board of Directors is one of the most worthy causes she knows, and she attributes that to Animal Haven’s unique nature as a shelter that she believes draws people to it. Among others, the shelter possesses unique features, including a cattery lounge, a combination animal shelter/pet supplies shop, and a Mobile Adoption Van that all work to separate Animal Haven from the “typical shelter.”

“I think people would be drawn to Animal Haven because we’re a smaller shelter that provides potential adopters with a more intimate adoption experience,” she says. “Our staff are very hands-on, taking the time to get to know each animal. They can then work with each person to help them find the perfect cat or dog. In the end, we all want each dog and cat to find their forever home.”

Animal Haven’s mission, which aligns with Buchanan’s, is to find homes for abandoned dogs and cats across the Tri-State area. Paw it forward by visiting Animal Haven’s website and finding out how you can help their worthy cause.

Petside.com is donating $500 to Animal Haven as a big "Thanks!" to Farrah Buchanan for her work to help animals.