Why I chose a Career in Animal Welfare - Executive Director of SPCA Aarthi Sankar shares more
The world of non-profit work and animal welfare is far from glamorous. It demands resilience in the face of heart-wrenching situations and an unshakable resolve to continue fighting, even when the odds seem insurmountable. Yet amidst the demands and difficulties, there are individuals whose journey finds beauty in the small victories – a wagging tail, a restored glimmer in an animal's eyes, and the knowledge that a life has been touched by kindness.
In our pursuit to understand the driving force behind this noble endeavour, we had the privilege to speak with Aarthi Sankar, the Executive Director of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Singapore. With a heart brimming with compassion and a mind guided by purpose, Aarthi has made it her life's mission to safeguard those who lack the means to safeguard themselves.
Hello Aarthi, tell us more about yourself!
I’m Aarthi, and I’m 36 years old this year. I proudly hold the role of Executive Director at the SPCA, which happens to be Singapore's largest and longest-serving animal welfare organisation. We help over 2,500 animals every year We run a 24-hour hotline and rescue service to help animals in need, and we operate Singapore’s only Community Animal Clinic in Singapore that offers affordable and accessible veterinary services for community animals and pets from low-income households. We also run a shelter, that is a safe haven for 150 to 200 animals, waiting to find their forever homes. Our Inspectorate investigates any cruelty cases to help gather evidence and witnesses. My favourite part of our work is our educational programmes where we teach children and youth about animals and responsible pet ownership. My job is to be the SPCA’s ambassador by speaking up for animal welfare issues and our furry friends. I also ensure that the different teams in the SPCA work like a well-oiled machine so that we can keep doing our best for these animals.
Looking back at your childhood, what were your aspirations and dreams? Were there any early signs of your passion for animal welfare?
I had many ambitions as a child, from being an astronaut to being a lawyer! When I was younger, I had a pet dog, but after he left us, we decided against having another pet as we couldn’t endure the heartbreak again. However, my love for animals continued, and whenever I travelled, I would always be fascinated by the community dogs!
As a teenager, I first visited the SPCA and fell in love with a little pup named Rumba. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to adopt her then, but I was very inspired by the SPCA’s work. I did not imagine then that I would be helming the very organisation someday.
Can you tell us more about your journey? What motivated you to pursue a career focusing on animal rights and welfare?
I majored in Sociology at University, which stirred my curiosity about questioning social norms and understanding our interconnectedness. From a young age, I've been passionate about advocating for underserved communities. My volunteering experiences also opened my eyes to the experiences of others who did not have the same privileges as I did growing up. Spending a decade at the People's Association (PA) exposed me to various facets of society and the challenges people face. It reinforced my belief that my purpose should contribute to the greater good of our society. After leaving the PA, I planned to take a year off before deciding my next move. But fate had other plans – within six months, I stumbled upon this exciting role at the SPCA. It felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I jumped right in, becoming a part of its amazing journey.
Were there any significant influences or role models in your life that shaped your interest in working with animals and promoting their well-being?
My interest in working in the social services and charities sector was significantly influenced by the strong women in my family. They instilled in me the importance of speaking up for my beliefs and believing in my abilities. After my father's passing when I was 17, my mother singlehandedly raised my sisters and me, serving as a powerful role model.
My sisters are enthusiastic animal lovers who cheered me on when I took on this role. I have always had wonderful female bosses from the time I worked at the People’s Association. I'm also fortunate to learn from resilient women, such as Deirdre Moss, the ex-Executive Director of the SPCA who guided the organisation through tough times and members of the Board, such as Teresa Chiu and Trina Liang who continue to take the time to inspire and motivate me despite their very busy schedules. The dedicated SPCA staff, with their unwavering commitment also remind me to keep pushing forward, no matter the challenges.
What aspect of your work brings you the most personal fulfilment? Is there a particular story or moment that stands out as a testament to the positive change you and your team have brought about?
The strength of communities uniting is a force to be reckoned with. My time at the People's Association taught me a valuable lesson – our impact doesn't solely lie in providing solutions; it's in fostering a community's collective efforts, ideas, and resource-sharing for a shared goal. This principle has manifested numerous times during my journey with the SPCA.
Take, for instance, an incident where a cat found itself stranded on a rooftop, inaccessible to us. Once word got out, a remarkable chain reaction unfolded. Individuals offered their drones to locate the cat, some were ready to climb up, others wrote to tenants in the building requesting for access, and a plethora of innovative solutions emerged. While the cat probably made its way down eventually, what truly touched me was witnessing the outpouring of support from so many people, all willing to step forward for a single cat's well-being.
Given the emotional nature of the work you do, how do you prioritise self-care and maintain your own emotional resilience to prevent burnout?
My job might appear enviable to many – surrounded by furry friends and helping them find new homes. However, there's a side that's often overlooked, one that comes with its own challenges. Amid the heartwarming success stories, there is also the grim reality. Some of the animals we care for arrive in dire conditions, victims of neglect and cruelty. Just two weeks ago my team and I were in a house that had a burst sewage pipe, with 20 cats. The entire rescue operation took an exhausting 12 hours. The work isn't solely about physical demands; it also takes a significant emotional toll. Furthermore, my role includes ensuring the well-being of the 55 dedicated individuals in my team, many of whom are equally if not more drained. The awareness that we are often the only hope for these defenseless animals is both motivating and sobering. This battle is ongoing, and I'm continuously working on ways to manage the challenges.
I've incorporated positive practices into my routine, like regular exercise, sufficient rest, and dedicating Sundays to teaching a free dance class for children – a source of joy and positivity. Striking a work-life balance is challenging, especially when some teams work around the clock. Nevertheless, I make a conscious effort to set aside time for myself every week and I also remind myself that to be able to do my work well, I need to ensure I’m well taken care of too. It is an ongoing process, a balancing act that I'm slowly refining.
What are 5 things you wish you knew in your early teenage years?
Mistakes are okay. They are a natural part of life and don't define us. In fact, they're stepping stones for personal growth.
It takes time to find your purpose. It's perfectly fine not to have everything figured out. I've shifted from wanting to be an astronaut or a lawyer to doing something completely unrelated but way more meaningful. Your purpose evolves as you do.
Use your voice wisely. Don't hesitate to express your thoughts and take up space. Your opinions and ideas hold value; they can ignite positive change.
Comparing yourself to others steals your happiness. Embrace your unique journey; there's no one quite like you.
Surround yourself with positivity. Choose people who uplift and inspire you as they can profoundly influence your life's direction.
Lastly, what advice would you give to young girls who are passionate about animal welfare and considering a career in nonprofit organisations like the SPCA?
The sky is the limit and if you are lucky enough to know what your purpose in life is, don’t let anything stop you in that pursuit. At the same time, for dreams to be realised, you need to work hard too. Spend time volunteering at a charity of your choice, network and find mentors who can guide you through the journey and continue to read and stay updated about the social landscape that your charity of choice benefits.
For those who don’t know yet what you want to do, it is perfectly okay too! I went from wanting to being an astronaut to leading the SPCA. Our experiences change and shape us but the most important thing to focus on is doing good and opening yourself up to experiencing the world and how people who are different from you live their lives. This will develop empathy and compassion, that are far more important than any degree or internship experience!
