Courtney Boggs | Reporter
Dec. 26, 2015; 7:00 a.m.

Lindenwood students are restricted from having pets live in their dorms, but that shouldn’t stop them from finding time to hang out with some animals and help give back to the community. One place where students can get a dog or cat fix is at Five Acres Animal Shelter.

Five Acres is the only no-kill shelter in the area. The dogs and cats stay as long as they need until they find their forever home.  The shelter is a non-profit organization and relies on donations and help from volunteers.

“Volunteering at Five Acres is the best,” said junior Amanda Miller. “Playing with dogs instantly makes me happier. It’s the best cure for a bad day. I love being able to show love to these dogs while they wait to get adopted.”

Volunteering at the shelter consists of cleaning up cages, feeding, assisting with adoption, walking the dogs and playing with the animals. It costs $10 dollars to go to orientation to become a volunteer, and you get to choose if you want to work with dogs or cats. Once you go through orientation, you can sign up online to volunteer for any time that fits your schedule best.

“Volunteering at Five Acres is not how I expected working at a shelter would be,” said senior Corey Richards. “You see those sad commercials of dogs looking afraid and huddled up in a corner. At Five Acres, all the pets are so happy to be here and to meet new people.”

If you’re interested in volunteering at Five Acres you can visit their website, and fill out an application to become a volunteer. Or email the shelter if you have any other questions.

If you don’t have time to volunteer but still want to help out consider donating supplies to the shelter like paper towels, blankets, and toys.

Other shelters that also are always in need of volunteers and donations near the St. Charles area are The Humane Society, and the local St. Charles animal shelter.