Inspiring Volunteer Educates Thousands on Pet Care and Welfare

In a heartwarming story of dedication and community service, Catherine Hahn, a 71-year-old woman from Winchester, is being celebrated during Volunteers’ Week for her remarkable contributions to pet welfare education. Over the past decade, she has reached more than 30,000 children through her work with the vet charity PDSA, delivering essential knowledge on responsible pet ownership.

A Lifelong Commitment to Animal Welfare

Catherine, a retired veterinary nurse and a lifelong animal lover, first became actively involved with PDSA in 2014 after attending a charity event at Highclere Castle. Her journey began as a volunteer, providing administrative support and representing the charity at various events before she transitioned into the education team. In her current role, she conducts informative sessions for children ranging from reception age to university students, focusing on pet care, animal behavior, and safety around animals.

Making a Lasting Impact

Catherine's volunteer efforts have proven to be transformative. In 2025 alone, she delivered talks to nearly 6,000 children, part of PDSA’s expansive education program that reached almost 470,000 young individuals across the UK. Catherine has expressed her passion for connecting with young minds, noting that her favorite aspect of volunteering is when children remain engaged and excited about what they learned days after her sessions.

Recognizing the Role of Volunteers

Anna Baggott from PDSA's education team commended Catherine’s significant contributions, highlighting how volunteers like her are vital to the organization's mission. “Catherine brings a wealth of experience, passion, and enthusiasm” to each session, fostering an environment where empathy and respect for animals is instilled in children from an early age.

Encouraging Others to Volunteer

Reflecting on her experiences, Catherine encourages others to consider volunteering. “We should all try to make a meaningful contribution to society,” she states. Her journey exemplifies how volunteering can be rewarding, both for the community and the individual. Those inspired by her story and wishing to contribute can explore opportunities at PDSA’s volunteering page.