Volunteer

Save lives in your spare time

Become a PAWS volunteer and help us save Philadelphia’s homeless pets! Whether you help at adoption events, care for animals, help keep the shelter clean, or provide office support, your time and compassion will make a tremendous difference in the lives of the animals who depend on us. It’s rewarding and fun; we hope you’ll join our dedicated and committed family of animal lovers!

Ways to help:

Behind The Scenes

Assist with facility upkeep, application processing, and more. Or do you have a special skill or talent to share? There are endless ways to help the animals! By supporting PAWS’ staff, you’ll enable us to accomplish more and save lives faster.

Cat Care

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.

Dog Care

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!

Adoption Events

Represent PAWS at off-site public adoption events, introduce animals to potential adopters, raise funds for our lifesaving efforts, and spread the word about what we do! 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.

Become a PAWS Volunteer

apply now

Current opportunities at each PAWS location:

Old City Adoption Center

100 N. 2nd Street (at Arch)
Our Adoption Center typically houses 30+ cats for adoption and is open 7 days a week. Volunteers are always needed to help with cat care and cleaning.

Grays Ferry Clinic

2900 Grays Ferry Avenue
More than just a Spay/Neuter and Wellness Clinic, it also serves as our shelter and houses about 15 rescued dogs and 80 cats. Volunteers are needed 7 days a week to help with cat and dog care and cleaning.

Northeast Adoption Center

1810 Grant Avenue
Volunteer program opportunities are currently on hold at this location until further notice. Thank you for understanding.

Petsmart Cat Habitat

Broad Street and Washington Avenue
We feature adoptable cats in-store, where volunteers provide daily care and assist adopters. Volunteers are needed Monday-Friday from 9-11 a.m. and 6-8 p.m., and Saturday/Sunday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Volunteer Spotlights

“It’s truly one of my favorite parts of the week. I love the staff, and it’s so lovely to give time to make the quality of life for the cats better.

-Emily, cat care volunteer

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” I love volunteering at PAWS because I recognize that it is a group of like-minded people who love what they do and are always willing to roll up their collective sleeves to get the work done.

-Drew, admin and animal care volunteer

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“I started volunteering at PAWS to get more involved with helping Philly be a no kill city.”

-Laura, cat care volunteer

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“I enjoy the hustle and bustle of the Old City location. It’s a small space that gets quite a bit of foot traffic so there’s always a new guest or a new cat to greet. Plus the cats all have such funny personality quirks and it’s fun to watch!”

– Mercy, cat care volunteer

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I enjoy volunteering there and meeting so many caring animal lovers that work and volunteer there. I also love hearing about cats that have been there a while getting adopted or going into foster care. Philadelphia has come such a long way from the time before PAWS was here.”

– Cyndi, cat care volunteer

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“What I love about volunteering is being able to see a shut down animal come out of their shell after being shown kindness. I love working with the dogs and helping them find their forever homes”

– Arianna, dog care volunteer

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Workplace Giving: Did you know many employers pay their employees to volunteer? Search your employer below to see if you qualify:

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