Barrow animal shelter seeking volunteers

Animal Control Director Jimmy Terrell said he has been approached by several citizens who have indicated a desire to help at the shelter. Now that the new shelter is complete, he is organizing a volunteer group called “Friends of the Shelter.”

“In the past we were very limited in space and the conditions were prohibitive. Now that we have the new facility open, we have room and even more of a need for assistance and volunteers. I hope we can form a ‘Friends of the Shelter’ organization for local citizens who want to volunteer their time in some capacity,” Terrell said.

The new shelter has approximately 13,000 square feet, more than doubling the space in the former facility.

“I hope we can schedule a meeting for discussion. We have some ideas about how citizens can help but we want to hear from the citizens as well. I’d like to see what their ideas are,” he added.

A meeting for those interested has been scheduled for 4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 8.

Some of the possibilities from the shelter staff include walking the dogs, feeding, answering the telephone and assisting with rescues and adoptions.

Adoptions and the process of transferring dogs and cats to rescue agencies require time, telephone calls and paperwork. With experienced volunteer staff, it is also possible the shelter might open for a half day one Saturday a month on a trial basis to assist with adoptions by providing the public with additional viewing time.

Terrell stated he would also consider alternating the present schedule in order for the shelter to remain open until 6 or 6:30 p.m. one day a week if there was volunteer help available to work with a staff member.

Anyone wishing to volunteer or wanting more information should contact Animal Control Supervisor Missy Burrell at 770-307-3012, ext. 4969.