JCARL sees increase in volunteer hours

For the Jasper County Animal Rescue League, getting people to volunteer their time at the shelter is important for staff to continue operations. The shelter has seen a recent increase in the amount of people willing to dedicate their time to them.

Jennifer Mouchka, interim director of the Jasper County Animal Rescue League, said things have changed in recent months to make it easier for people to volunteer, which may be why volunteer hours have gone up.

“We don’t require people to do volunteer orientation anymore ... It’s easier for people, it’s more convenient,” Mouchka said.

Volunteers are important to the Jasper County Animal Rescue League. They make it easier by taking some of the work off JCARL staff and help in other ways too.

“We need them. We rely on it,” Mouchka said.

Volunteers are able to come to the shelter and do a wide variety of things. Even though it may seem too good to be true, it is mostly just socializing with the animals whether that be a dog or a cat.

“They all act better in their kennel and then they are more apt to get adopted,” Mouchka said.

Volunteers do things like playing with the cats in rooms or in their kennels. They are able to take the dogs on walks or take them outside and they even do some data entry work at home if that is how they want to help. Socialization with people helps prepare pets for their future homes.

With the wide variety of ways people can volunteer at the JCARL, there is something that suits everyone. Mouchka said one thing she would like to see is more groups wanting to be involved at the shelter.

“I would love to see more groups come out. A couple weeks ago we had Grinnell Mutual come out and they spent a day with us which was great,” Mouchka said.

Mouchka did mention a plan to have a volunteer day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 12. at JCARL.

“We will have cookies. People can learn about volunteering, what it is, just a variety of different things,” Mouchka said.

It can be difficult for people to find the time to volunteer at their local animal shelter but even the shortest amount of time volunteered can be beneficial not only for the animals but for those volunteering their time.

“It’s rewarding in the fact that you are helping the animals but they are also helping you,” Mouchka said.

Contact Dustin Teays at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or dteays@newtondailynews.com