May 26, 2021
Contact: Doug Bolnick, Public Information Officer, 636-949-7408
ST. CHARLES COUNTY, MO – Several members of the St. Charles County Pet Adoption Center staff recently completed training to improve the quality of the shelter’s volunteer program.
“Completing this training has empowered our staff to provide a better system for recruiting, training and leading our volunteers,” Division of Humane Services Director Katie Wills says. “With this improved structure and systemic approach to our volunteer program, we will have a better prepared, more engaged, team available to help us care for and find the right homes for our animals. And, it will enable our staff to provide a more valuable, rewarding experience for those who offer their time and talents to our shelter.”
The training is designed to improve the teaching and implementation of volunteers for the benefit of non-profit agencies. Organizations undergo an audit of their existing program, and then complete a multi-week training program to improve deficiencies and learn best practices to make their volunteer programs more effective. These improvements focus on enhancing the promotion, engagement and outcome of a volunteer program by targeting the right people for the right positions to meet the needs of the community.
St. Charles County Pet Adoption Center volunteers provide hands-on care to dogs, cats and other adoptable animals seeking new homes. In a typical year, volunteers provide more than 5,000 hours of service to the facility.
After completing an application, orientation and training, volunteers can perform roles such as:
- Kennel assistant
- Greeter
- Exerciser/Socializer
- Bather/Groomer
- Photographer
- Adoption counselor
- Veterinary assistant
- Staff assistant
To learn more about becoming a volunteer with the Pet Adoption Center, visit sccmo.org/PetVolunteer or call 636-949-7387.
The 15,000-square foot Pet Adoption Center, located at 4850 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in St. Peters, provides kennel housing for dogs, cats, and other adoptable pets, as well as a veterinary clinic to care for lost pets and stray animals. The Center is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday (with extended hours until 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays). As an added convenience, the shelter is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.
The facility features animals of many breeds, sizes and ages that are eager to join a forever home. Staff strives to collect a history of the animal, treat medical issues and help visitors select the best pet for their family. The $60 adoption fee for dogs and cats includes a health examination, initial vaccinations, spay/neuter service and microchipping. For information on animals now available for adoption, visit sccmo.org/pets or call 636-949-7387.
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About St. Charles County’s Division of Humane Services
The Division of Humane Services protects and enhances the quality of life for St. Charles County residents and animals. To learn more about services provided, to view pets available for adoption or to inquire about volunteer or donation opportunities, please call 636-949-PETS (7387) or visit sccmo.org/humane.
About the St. Charles County Department of Public Health
Through the efforts of its three divisions — Environmental Health and Protection, Health Services and Humane Services — the St. Charles County Department of Public Health provides a wide range of services that enhance the well-being of a community that ranks among the healthiest counties in Missouri. To learn how the department assists this region or to find out about volunteer opportunities with any of the divisions, visit sccmo.org/PublicHealth or call 636-949-7400.
About St. Charles County
Founded in 1812, St. Charles County is one of the fastest growing counties in Missouri. With a population of 407,056, it is the state’s third largest county. It is home to 17 scenic county parks, encompassing nearly 4,000 acres with additional land under development and more in reserve for future development.
With one of the largest economies in the state, St. Charles County is home to several multi-national companies, including General Motors, Citi, MasterCard Worldwide and Boeing. It is ranked among the top 25 counties in the nation in high-tech job growth by the Progressive Policy Institute and consistently has the lowest unemployment rate in the Metropolitan St. Louis area.
St. Charles County has more than 1,170 employees in more than 30 departments and offices, who work to make the county an excellent place to live, work and shop. For more information, visit sccmo.org.