If you’ve visited our Shelter, you’ve probably seen or met some of our dedicated volunteers. Ever wonder why they give their time to PAWS?
If you’ve familiar with PAWS at all, you’re probably aware that PAWS is 100% dependent on the generosity of animal lovers like yourself. We are a 501c3 charity and receive no tax support of any kind.
Generosity takes many forms – sometimes the form is cash donations and sometimes it takes the form of donated supplies or services. Another form is hours spent helping out here at the adoption center. All these forms come together to allow PAWS to find loving, forever homes for neglected, abused, and homeless pets. PAWS is proud to say we’ve found homes for over 13,000 pets, enriching the lives of both the animals and their new owners!
Some opportunities will vary based on time of the year and facility needs.
Landscape & Grounds
Outside tasks – mowing, watering, weeding, etc…
Facility Care
Inside tasks – sweep/mop floors, windows, laundry, dishes, etc…
Administrative Support
Inside tasks – clerical & organizational tasks, data entry & special projects.
Cat Care & Socialization
Outside/inside tasks – assist with feeding, cat room cleaning, grooming, and socializing with the feline population.
Kennel Care & Canine Socialization
Outside/inside tasks – assist with the maintenance and cleaning of the kennel run areas and provide transport and socialization of the canine population.
Orientation Information
Orientation for anyone new or current:
***There will be no orientation on Tuesday, August 15, 2023.***
Orientations – Monthly Schedule*
First Saturday of each month – 10:00 AM
Third Tuesday of each month – 6:00 PM
Additional Dog Handling (Must complete orientation first)
2nd Saturday of each month – 10:00 AM
* PLEASE check the PAWS calendar to make sure the regular monthly session is scheduled. Sessions are cancelled if there is another PAWS event on the same day.
If you have a group that is interested, please contact PAWS at (513) 539-PAWS (7297) to discuss. We would love to hear from you!
Orientation Details:
* Please bring a state-issued photo ID and $5.00 for a background check and processing fee to the orientation session. The ID will be copied for your file.
* Please arrive 5-10 minutes before the session as we plan to begin and end on time. Participants who arrive after the start time will be asked to reschedule for an upcoming session.
* Please contact PAWS Volunteer Coordinator, Jeanna, (513) 539-7297 with questions about orientation or contact us here.
Please note – The orientation sessions will target adults, 18 and older, who wish to volunteer for PAWS. Volunteer opportunities for those under the age of 18 are being developed and will be implemented at a later date.
Being a Volunteer Not Only Helps the Animals:
The emotional, physical and health benefits of volunteering have been well documented. Rather than iterate the findings of studies, we asked a few devoted volunteers what they receive from volunteering.
Here are some of their comments:
A 25+year volunteer – “I have always loved animals of all species. I chose to help at PAWS because of its no-kill status. Right now, I have several volunteer roles – Board member, writer, fundraising, taking adoptable pets to WXIX – so I invest many hours every week. When I had a corporate job, I was a more intermittent volunteer, usually special events. Knowing that my efforts help these lovable pets have a safe, comfortable environment until they are adopted gives me great joy. PAWS is my Happy Place.”
A 10+ year volunteer – “I began volunteering in 2005 with my daughter, when she was just three years old. I was looking for something to do to get us both out of the house, and PAWS allowed us to work together cleaning the cat rooms – well, I cleaned, and she played with the cats!
We enjoyed all the time spent together and working at PAWS helped her to develop a love for animals, a work ethic, an understanding of animal rescue and justice issues, and a desire of her own to help make a difference through volunteering.
Now she works with her friends making and selling dog biscuits, donating the proceeds to PAWS. We have helped off and on throughout the years whenever our schedule would allow.
She is now a junior at Ursuline Academy and has organized a community service group of girls to come to PAWS once a month after school to help with whatever is needed around the shelter.”
Have you ever considered volunteering at PAWS? If so, please be aware that PAWS has volunteers who work regularly at the shelter and volunteers who work more intermittently, for example helping with a specific need or event such as our Bourbon Event, PAWS-A-PALOOZA, or our Annual “Fur the Love of PAWS” Auction. All volunteers are needed and appreciated.