Staff Spotlight: Brooke Varney, Senior Pet Placement Supervisor

Brooke Varney is our Senior Pet Placement Supervisor. She oversees the four adoption staff at our Russell H. Perry Animal Care Center in McKinney, Texas, as well as our Petsmart staff. Brooke and her team help families find their new furry family members, one of the most rewarding roles to be in at the SPCA of Texas. Brooke also coordinates owner surrender appointments, as well as incoming transfers of animals from other shelters in our community. 

We asked Brooke a few questions about herself so we could all get to know her better!

Tell us about yourself!

I moved here from Pennsylvania in 2005 and started volunteering at the SPCA of Texas in 2007. I’ve had many roles here throughout my career and have landed in the one I love most, helping people find their pets. My passion is helping animals.

I also have six grandchildren that I love hanging out with – they keep me busy! I love to travel and see the world. This June, I will be traveling with my husband to Ireland for two weeks!

How did you get into animal welfare?

I started volunteering here in January 2007. I went home the first day and told my husband “I found what I am so passionate about!” After months of volunteering once a week, I decided to quit my corporate job of 22 years and was hired at the SPCA of Texas in November of 2007. I have worn many hats in my 12 years here and I have loved every minute of it!

What is the best thing about working at the SPCA of Texas?

I can say that the best thing is it isn’t work, it isn’t just a job, it is a passion that I didn’t even know that I had until I started volunteering. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to come to everyday.

What is your favorite story of an animal you helped/cared for?

Back in 2015 when I was a shelter supervisor a gentleman came in with a dog named Clark that he wanted to have euthanized. When I asked him why, he said he has parvo (a very serious and highly contagious disease) and that he had other dogs he was worried would fall ill as well. Clark was eating the wooden fence and refusing to eat food, continuing to lose weight at a rapid pace. I was so concerned about this dog and how skinny he was, and learned he hadn’t even been tested for parvovirus yet. I took Clark in and we worked with him and nurtured him back to a healthy weight. I have gone on rescues many times with the SPCA, but this dog just pulled at my heart strings. With the care of our veterinarians, Clark gained weight and was such a happy dog. He was with us for a while and finally got adopted! This is an amazing example of how connecting with people and engaging in a constructive conversation can save a life!