ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — The St. Louis County Pet Adoption Center announced it will host a volunteer drive beginning Nov. 8.
According to a press release, the center’s goal is to raise awareness of the need for volunteers and gain 100 applications by Nov. 12.
The public is invited to visit the pet adoption center at 10521 Baur Boulevard during its hours of operation, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to learn about volunteering or view the adoptable animals.
The volunteer drive comes following a federal lawsuit filed against St. Louis County by animal control volunteers who are being forced to reapply.
“Animal wellbeing is our top priority at the Pet Adoption Center,” Spring Schmidt, Acting Co-Director of the St. Louis Department of Public Health, said. “Passionate volunteers are the key to a successful animal shelter, and we are excited for the implementation of this new and improved volunteer program.”
The county said in a press release, an independent audit of operations and volunteer feedback were used as a roadmap for the updated volunteer program. Under the old program, there were about 12 volunteers over the course of any given day.
“Volunteers save taxpayers money and they provide the animals the care they need and deserve,” County Executive Sam Page said. “Our volunteers help make us better by offering their feedback and advice, and that’s part of what makes them so valuable.”
The three main goals of the revamped program are to increase the number of volunteers, improve quality control to make sure volunteers are supported and well-trained, and improve consistency to ensure animals get the proper care and treatment, the county said.
