Christine Becker has become a familiar presence at the Wake County Animal Center (WCAC), where she has volunteered for over a decade. Known for her work with dog playgroups, Becker brings energy and compassion to her role, helping dogs build social skills and confidence as they wait for adoption.
A pediatric nurse by training, Becker began volunteering at animal shelters in Los Angeles before moving to North Carolina. She quickly found a new home at WCAC, dedicating more than 5,500 hours to the center over 12 years.
“I fell in love with shelter volunteering back in Los Angeles,” Christine said. “When I moved here, I knew I wanted to keep helping, and WCAC felt like home.”
Her main focus is running dog playgroups—sessions that allow compatible dogs to interact under supervision. These gatherings help shy or stressed animals express themselves and adjust better to the shelter environment.
“Playgroups bring out the very best in dogs who might otherwise shut down,” she explained. “It’s incredible to see them rediscover joy.”
Becker observes each session closely, noting how dogs behave and interact. She records these observations and shares them with staff and adoption counselors. This information helps match animals with suitable families and gives staff material for online profiles.
She believes that every interaction matters: “Volunteering brings so much joy to my heart,” she said. “I feel like it’s my purpose. The animals need more than food and potty breaks—they need kindness, compassion and someone to believe in them.”
Becker is recognized for her commitment but says the greatest reward comes from working directly with the animals.
“Although we are here to help the animals, you can’t help but feel so good about spending time with them,” she said. “I often think I get just as much out of my time there as the animals do.”
Last year, she launched a pet care business that allows her to combine her professional skills with her passion for animal welfare.
“Volunteering brings so much joy and meaning to my life that I cannot imagine it not being a critical part of my world,” she said. “It’s truly a calling.”
She encourages others interested in volunteering at WCAC to take action: “If you love animals, this is an incredible opportunity,” she said. “We make a difference in their lives every single day, and you’ll find that they give back just as much as you give them.”
WCAC offers various volunteer roles beyond dog walking and playgroups, including cat socialization, event support, and front desk assistance.
