The Jasper County Animal Rescue League is serious about wanting the best for the pets in the community, that’s why the ARL has introduced a scholarship program to assist pet owners in need.
Director Rachel Long said the new program is just getting up and running and will aim to help pet owners with pets that end up at the animal shelter. Long said it will also help pet owners who reach out for help because they don’t have the means to get their pets altered, vaccinated or city licensed.
Long said the scholarship will work in coordination with what the different rules are in the cities of Jasper County.
“We have used it on an as-needed basis, and the first recipient of this was a gentleman who was here in town who had over 30 dogs on his property,” Long said. “He signed over 26 of them to us and all of them have been adopted, but we did give him the option to keep four of his dogs.”
Long said they did get all of the dogs spaded and vaccinated and city licensed thanks to donated money. The most recent donation was $2,000 from the St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church.
“Now we have a little more money to help other residents here in town,” Long said.
Long said she hopes pet owners know they can ask for assistance and that the program will help keep pets healthy and off the streets.
“Funds aren’t unlimited, but we are here for the people who need us,” Long said. “We also have a pet food pantry here as well, so if you need dog or cat food, come out and see us.”
Long said the animal rescue league is always in need of supplies and food especially since they have seen a rise in animals coming in.
“Warmer weather always brings an increase in animals because it’s kitten season now,” Long said. “We are definitely looking for donations for kitten supplies and monetary donations.”
Nancy Henderson, a member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church said she is also on the animal rescue league board and felt that the organization is sometimes overlooked.
“Any donations in the community are good, but sometimes it’s easy to forget about our animal rescue league over here,” Henderson said.
The Jasper County Animal Rescue League is at 5411 Liberty Ave. in Newton.
Contact Kayla Langmaid at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or klangmaid@newtondailynews.com