After a brief pause, the Cookeville-Putnam County Animal Shelter has resumed its Junior Volunteer program.
Shelter Director Jennifer Tracy said changes in staffing caused the shelter to stop the program temporarily. Tracy said that volunteer interest was high and the program has returned on a once-a-week basis.
“It’s really, since I’ve started doing this, become very important to me to start reaching our future pet owners at a young age,” Tracy said. “To educate them early on about the responsibilities of being a pet owner.”
Tracy said kids aged 8 to 15 can participate, and parents are encouraged to attend the volunteer sessions with their children. Tracy said volunteers receive humane education and help shelter staff with the animals.
“They may be helping make toys, or make treats, or bathing puppies,” Tracy said. “Or just socializing kittens. Whatever we can do as a group and still keep them safe.”
Tracy said the program benefits the animals through extra attention and care.
“The kids are here because they want to engage with the animals,” Tracy said. “And we try to give them the opportunity as much as possible.”
Tracy said the program used to meet twice a week, and she hopes to do so again in June.
