PHOTOS PROVIDED Animals available for adoption at Perry County Animal Rescue can be found on the organization’s website.

MILLERSTOWN — Perry County Animal Rescue is heading into the new year with a rare and welcome shift: a sharp rise in volunteer participation over the past two weeks. The sudden increase is easing daily pressures on staff and improving the level of care provided to animals at the Millerstown-area facility, which serves Juniata and Perry counties.

For much of the past year, the rescue operated with a small, overextended volunteer base. Intake numbers continued to climb, and the demands of feeding, cleaning, enrichment, transportation, and adoption events routinely pushed the organization to its limits. With more animals arriving in need of medical attention or behavioral support, the workload often outpaced the number of available hands.

That dynamic began to change on Dec. 13 to 14, when a volunteer recruitment event was held. The animal rescue was in dire need of volunteers, with organizers fearing it might even close its doors forever.

Now, an influx of volunteers have been added, fending off the shelter’s possible closure.

A renewed outreach effort — built around consistent updates, behind-the-scenes photos and clearer explanations of daily needs — helped residents better understand the scope of the rescue’s work.

The messaging reached people who had long followed the organization but had not previously stepped forward to volunteer.

The response was almost immediate. Over a two-week span, the rescue welcomed a steady stream of 18 new volunteers willing to take on a wide range of responsibilities. Some joined the animal-care rotation, assisting with feeding schedules, kennel cleaning and socialization.

Currently, the volunteer applications are being vetted and processed to fill the empty slots. Trailing has started for a handful, who range in age from early 20s to those in their 60s.

The more helping hands, the lighter the burden and everyone will have more time to spend with the animals. The impact of this short-term surge is already visible. Dogs are receiving more consistent exercise and enrichment, reducing stress and improving behavior.

Cats are benefiting from increased one-on-one interaction, allowing staff to better assess personalities and match animals with adopters. Adoption events are running more efficiently, with enough volunteers to manage logistics and showcase more animals.

Despite an increasing number of volunteers, the rescue is still seeking additional foster homes as well as a few more volunteers, especially those who can do some heavy lifting with regularity.

New volunteers have also brought fresh energy and practical improvements. Some have introduced enrichment activities or reorganized supply areas, while others have streamlined paperwork or improved communication during events. Their involvement has allowed long-time staff and volunteers to focus on specialized tasks that had been difficult to prioritize during busier months.

Despite the encouraging two-week trend, the rescue emphasizes that volunteer needs remain constant. Animal care is a daily, year-round responsibility, and the organization depends on consistent community participation to maintain its operations. Even small commitments — such as a weekly shift or occasional help at events — can make a meaningful difference.

Perry County Animal Rescue plans to continue its outreach efforts into the new year, aiming to sustain the momentum and keep residents engaged. Orientation sessions will introduce newcomers to the facility, outline volunteer roles, and help match individuals with tasks suited to their interests and availability.

For the rescue, the recent surge represents more than a temporary boost. It reflects a community stepping forward at a critical moment and strengthens the foundation on which the organization will continue its work in the months ahead.

According to the rescue, to work in the kennels, volunteers can start at age 15, with a parent or guardian. Teenagers are allowed to work independently at age 18.

The cat cabin and dog walkers can have volunteers as young as age 5, with a parent or adult present. They can work solo at age 18.