Volunteer

PAWS volunteers care for shelter cats by providing socialization, feeding, cleaning litter, and more. Providing them with simple comforts like keeping their living spaces clean helps them stay content while they wait for adoption.

Walk dogs, help them practice their manners and good behavior, provide enrichment activities like group walks and yard play. You’ll keep them happy and healthy in the shelter, and also set them up for success in new homes!

Represent PAWS at off-site public adoption events, introduce animals to potential adopters, raise funds for our lifesaving efforts, spread the word about what we do, and get new supporters involved! We hold hundreds of adoption and fundraising events throughout the year in various locations in the city and beyond. These incredibly important opportunities depend on positive, outgoing volunteers to make them happen. Most events are held on weekends, and April-November are our busiest months.

Assist with facility upkeep, application processing, and more. By supporting PAWS’ staff, you’ll enable us to accomplish more and save lives faster.

Have a special skill or talent to share? There are endless ways to help the animals: please contact us to see how you can get involved!

“My love for animals drew me to PAWS. If there is anything I can do to save lives, care for them and make them feel loved until they get a home, then it’s rewarding to me. I’m happy I helped in a small way.”

-Barbara M., adoption event and dog walking volunteer

“I was always a dog person growing up so I knew I had to get involved. It’s such a rewarding experience to go to PAWS each week and help the dogs burn off a little energy, work on their manners, and ultimately get them adopted out to loving homes.”

– Jesse R., dog walking and enrichment volunteer

“We have a tight-knit group of dedicated volunteers… I feel lucky to call them my friends! We never lose sight of the fact that we’re there to make sure the cats are happy and healthy and that we find the best possible homes for them as quickly as we can.

The best thing about volunteering at PAWS is watching a human and an animal connect. When someone comes in to adopt a cat, I get to witness that special moment when they choose each other. I’m so grateful that PAWS exists and that I have the opportunity to do what I do. It adds more meaning and purpose to my life and I could never give it up.”

– Jennifer L., cat care volunteer at PAWS’ South Philly Petsmart adoption site

“Helping to make adoption connections is such an incredible feeling. Seeing a long-term resident finally find their forever home always brings me to tears.

One of the greatest gifts that PAWS has given me is the opportunity to meet some of the most incredibly wonderful people. I am so blessed and grateful for the friendships I have made through volunteering.”

– Lori T., adoption event volunteer

“I LOVE volunteering with PAWS because of the sheer joy of spending time with the animals and being part of a noble cause. Not Disneyland, THIS is the HAPPIEST place on Earth for me!

This experience has taught me patience, tolerance and to be a genuine human being and I am always inspired by the passionate dedication of the staff and other volunteers.”

– Bidisha M., volunteer and clinic intern at PAWS’ Spay/Neuter and Wellness Clinic

“​My favorite thing about serving as an adoptions assistant is helping people find their cat soulmate. ​​Everyone is looking for something a little different, so when you find that perfect match, it’s magical!​ It’s so great that PAWS takes the time to educate adopters on the importance of cat basics to set them up for success–it also lets me gush about cats to people, which is part of the fun!​

I also love the staff and other volunteers at PAWS. It’s such a supportive group of people all committed to the same thing. I always come home in a good mood after a PAWS shift because it’s such a special place.​”

– Miriam S., volunteer adoptions assistant