Smoking at Animal Shelters

I am outraged. 

 There are laws in certain places about required distances from entrances. Usually stores, restaurants, government buildings, and the like, but I wouldn't be surprised if shelters were included on that list. I have less of a problem with people smoking and more of a problem with people not respecting posted sign/laws.

Working in a shelter is very stressful, and many of the staff do smoke -it's their way of dealing. I'm not one of these people, but most of my coworkers are. we have a designated 'break/smoke' area by our pond. It's really relaxing to go out there and sit for a while.

We do NOT allow smoking in our kennels or buildings, only in that area. That's our rule though, and people are pretty good about respecting it.

 Yup the shelter I work at has rules like Erica's does too - only smoking in certain areas away from the public and only on breaks, never while on the clock.  I'm one of the few nonsmokers there myself, but I still take "smoke breaks" with coworkers to get out and enjoy the sun lol.

Our property backs up to a large, wooded area - with a little pond next to the admissions building. There is a ton of wildlife out there - and it's really a good place to sit and chill out for a while. We would work out there if they would let us! lol

Jessie - keep in mind that smoking rules vary from state to state. FL is a 'clear air' state, and you cannot smoke inside of any public building. There is no smonking/non smoking in restraunts, and many places don't even allow you to smoke on the outside patio.

I'm in no way a smoking advocate, I really hate it. But some poeple do - most of my good friends do, and that's their choice. They know the risks involved - to each his own.

They still have smoking/nonsmoking areas in restraunts in FL? Here in Cali it's been ruled out. No Smoking in any public building. None, nothing, zip, nada.

It made a lot of people angry when the law passed but it's much nicer to sit in a restraunt not filled with cigg smoke.

I will check the state laws, I didn't notice any signs at the shelter, just the smokers and ash trays. I may have to go back just for a "Sign check"

Sorry, guess I wasn't to clear. There is no smoking in restaurants in FL - hence the "Clean Air State". No smoking inside, at all. I think FL was one of the first states to pass this.

Since shelters are public buildings, there is no smoking in there - here at least.