T-R PHOTO BY SARA JORDAN-HEINTZ The Animal Rescue League of Marshalltown has recently started an official volunteer program whereby people can come in and assist with a variety of tasks. Pictured is volunteer David Cidon bathing Zuma the dog.

Catering to the needs of homeless animals and getting them adopted is the mission of the Animal Rescue League of Marshalltown. Because there are a myriad of tasks required to make that happen, the ARL has recently started an official volunteer program, organized by Volunteer Coordinator Jessica Slifer.

“There are things volunteers of all ages can help out with here starting today,” Slifer said. “I want all volunteers to enjoy their time and want to come back on a regular basis.”

Regardless of abilities, there are ways volunteers can positively contibute to the shelter. Volunteers are needed to socialize and play with the animals, walk dogs, do grooming, clean and photograph the critters available for adoption.

Volunteers age 16 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

An information meeting for those interested in becoming volunteers is slated for 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on March 6 at the ARL of Marshalltown, 1921 Taylor Ave. Attendees will learn about policies and safety information for working with animals.

“We are excited about this program,” ARL Director Shelly Deal said. “The Ann C. Keyser Charitable Trust provided the grant to allow us to create the volunteer program and the volunteer coordinator position. We’re a non-profit and always very grateful for the monetary donations, but for others, volunteering can also be a form of making a donation.”

There is no minimum amount of time a person must commit to for volunteering. Slifer said this is also a good opportunity for people looking to fulfill program or degree requirements that include putting in volunteer hours.

David Cidon, a student at MCC, volunteers at the ARL to help him get into veterinarian school.

“The reason why I volunteer here is I go to school to be a vet, so for me to transfer to Iowa State where I want to go, I need 400 hours of animal experience, which includes at shelters and clinics,” he said. “I chose a shelter because you see more of the reality than just a clinic with the cute dogs that walk in and they’re all pretty just getting a check-up.”

Slifer said she is working on adding other types of volunteer opportunities, including creating a garden, in addition to general landscaping and upkeep of the premises.

Volunteers are always needed to help operate the ARL’s various fundraisers.

“We’d also like to start a book club or a story hour,” Slifer said. “We have an office cat named Cole and we’d love to create ‘Storytime with Cole.'”

For more information, Slifer may be reached at 641-753-9046 and volcoord@arlmarshalltown.com.

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Contact Sara Jordan-Heintz at

641-753-6611 or

sjordan@timesrepublican.com