For anyone who loves animals, especially dogs and cats and would like to help keep them from being neglected, abused or worse, put down, you now have a chance to help.

Recently, Clinton County Fiscal Court, following legal opinions being obtained, began allowing volunteers to work and assist at the local Tri-County Animal Shelter on Hwy. 90 West near Equity Group. Already, at least 10 volunteers are helping out at the shelter in many ways, six days a week.

Last week, five volunteers–Paula Owens, Darien Wallace, Jennifer Stearns and Kathy and Vic Morrow–discussed the importance of their work, the need for more volunteers and other assistance, and ways the public can help curtail the amount of stray animals that have to be taken to the shelter to begin with

Wallace, who is somewhat spearheading the volunteer campaign, said the new volunteer group is trying now to “get the word out” about the need for volunteers and enlisting as many people as possible who would like to help out.

On any given day, there are about 10 dogs housed at Tri-County Animal Shelter, and as of late last week, there were five cats being taken care of there. The shelter provides service to both Wayne and Cumberland counties, and Monticello brings animals to the shelter twice weekly, according to the volunteers.

When first organized about three weeks ago (February 4), they had tried to work out some type of scheduling, but due to the work being all voluntary, some people couldn’t have set times, so they just basically work times and days out amongst themselves as to when they will assist at the shelter.

There is also always plenty to be done, including cleaning cages, feeding and watering the animals and assisting in adoption of the animals and they are even on call to go to the shelter and assist people who need to drop off or adopt an animal during off-hours if necessary.

The normal business hours at the shelter, which is operated by Animal Control Officer James Stonecipher and his grandson Seth, is Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., but recently volunteers are available about half a day on Saturdays to assist in adopting out animals to people who want to give them a permanent home.

There are certain requirements to become a volunteer, including being at least 18 years of age, paperwork and signing a waiver.

Another important aspect of the volunteer work is taking dogs to no-kill shelters from time to time. Wallace said they are currently taking animals to Lexington and are working on a location in Illinois that provides that service. Monetary donations made, in part, would be used for those transportation expenses.

Kathy Morrow said she would like to one day see the local shelter itself become a no-kill facility, but the group did note that with help in having animals adopted out, there have been few animals that have had to be put down in recent months.

Currently there are no fees for adopting a pet from the shelter, but dogs or cats brought there require a five-day waiting period before they can be adopted out to allow time for the pet’s owner to claim them if it is an animal missing from a residence.

The organization will also be stressing the importance of spaying and neutering pets, but admit the procedure is costly and may be the primary reason many people don’t have their animals spayed or neutered. Also, the nearest locations that do the procedure is Cookeville or Somerset, but Wallace said she could help people get discounts for clinics for anyone interested.

They also advise anyone that has lost a pet, primarily dog or cat, should contact the shelter to see if the pet has been picked up and dropped off there.

Currently, the group is using word of mouth and social media to get the word out about their work, the need for volunteers and things the shelter needs for the animals that are housed there.

Those who volunteer do not necessarily have a “set amount of time” to work, but rather work whenever their schedules permitted.

There is a Tri-County Animal Shelter Facebook page and a GoFundMe link to take donations to help buy necessities and provide transportation to no-kill shelters.

The volunteers will also be raising awareness that abuse and neglect of any animals is illegal and can be prosecuted.

One volunteer said that what they are doing “is good and necessary.”

Another said, ”It’s common knowledge that many animals are neglected, abused and mistreated. We want to give those animals a safe environment.”

The following is a list of items the shelter volunteers need to help take care of the animals housed at the shelter:

* Most needed: cat litter/uncovered plastic litter boxes; collars (all sizes for dogs and cats); leashes; cat and dog food (dry and wet); towels; Dawn dish soap/shampoo; Kuranda cat beds or any water proof bed/cots (must be water proof).

* Any type of cleaning supplies: bleach; laundry detergent; white vinegar/cleaning vinegar; disinfectant; mops and brooms; heavy duty scrub brushes; cleaning cloths/wash cloths; paper towels.

* Items not necessary but would be appreciated: cat and dog treats, toys and pet cages; flea tick prevention medication (for both cats and dogs), gas cards (for transportation to and from no-kill shelter and other necessary travel); Wal-Mart gift cards; Tractor Supply gift cards or any pet supply gift cards.

(All monetary donations made would be used for the above expenses.)

Anyone interested in volunteering can contact any of the following: (all 606 area codes)–Paula Owens, 306-3133; Jennifer Stearns, 688-0674; Kathy Morrow, 416-0420 or Joy Armstrong in the county judge/executive’s office at 387-5234.