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, 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.

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!

“I knew that even if I was only able to get to the shelter for an hour a week, that hour of exercise and attention would make a very real difference for a dog during a stressful time in its life.”

-Karen B., dog care volunteer

“I’m really enjoying being involved with PAWS and feeling like I’m doing something tangible to help the animals and the community.”

– Megan, transport, event, and animal care volunteer

“I enjoy the interaction with the amazing staff and awesome volunteers. It’s satisfying to come in and hear about how all the fantastic cats from the week before have found their forever homes”

-Brett, cat care volunteer

“”My favorite part of spending time with the animals is showing them unconditional love and care. . . I love PAWS because of all of the ways that I can help whether I am in the shelter, at home, or out in my community.”

– Hannah, dog and cat care volunteer

“Volunteering brought light back to my life, brought me joy and happiness… I feel so good volunteering and being at PAWS that sometimes I don’t even want to go home. I always find something to do or some kitties and dogs to cuddle just to stay a little bit more.”

-Vanessa, dog and cat care volunteer

“To play a part in a PAWS pup finding their person fills me with joy. I love having a Monday morning shift because it sets a tone of gratitude for the rest of my week.”

– Heather, dog care volunteer