The Fairbanks North Star Borough Animal Control Commission is set to enhance its community engagement through a new volunteer program spearheaded by a recently appointed tender lead. This initiative aims to develop a structured system for volunteers, allowing them to gain skills and participate in off-site adoption events, thereby increasing the visibility and success of animal adoptions.

The new lead, who has a robust background as an animal control officer in a large Nebraska shelter, will implement the program using the GivePulse software. This platform will facilitate the organization of volunteer efforts and outreach initiatives. The program is designed to be tiered, enabling volunteers to progress through various levels of responsibility and training before directly handling animals.

The timeline for launching this program is optimistic, with onboarding expected to begin in June. The lead's enthusiasm and experience are anticipated to drive the program's success, as she is also responsible for overseeing other employees and managing intake and workflow processes.

In addition to the volunteer program, the commission noted a significant increase in foster placements from February to March, attributed to a successful outreach campaign that addressed the urgent need for temporary homes for animals. This surge in foster care is expected to be integrated into the new volunteer program, creating a more comprehensive approach to animal care and community involvement.

Overall, these developments reflect the commission's commitment to improving animal welfare and fostering community connections, with the new volunteer program poised to play a crucial role in achieving these goals.