Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Volunteer

Get Involved

Thanks to our supporters, PAWS Atlanta has met the need of thousands of animals for 45 years. A group of community volunteers founded our shelter in 1966, and that spirit of caring has continued to guide our important work. There are many rewarding ways to become involved with our organization.

Every day we rely on our dedicated volunteers to help fulfill our mission. As such, we strive to make your volunteer experience as rewarding as possible. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.

PAWS Atlanta always needs volunteers for the following activities:

Walking and socializing dogs, including some basic training activities
Working in the cat cottage, especially on Saturdays and Sundays
Working at our vaccination clinics
Clerical work
Helping with fundraising events and activities
Picking up bulk quantities of newspaper from AJC and delivering it to PAWS Atlanta
Assisting with animal handing for the monthly Comcast Pets On-Demand taping
Answering the phones and assisting with other Front Desk responsibilities
Helping at off-site adoptions
Helping with marketing efforts through social media activities
Assisting with events held throughout the community

Volunteer Process

Orientation

All prospective volunteers must attend a volunteer orientation. Orientations are held on the 2nd Sunday and the 4th Saturday of each month from 10:30 am - Noon. During the orientation, you will learn about PAWS Atlanta’s history and our policies and procedures and you will be given a tour of the facility. You will also submit an application and a signed consent form. Registration for an orientation is required. To register, email our volunteer coordinator.

Mentoring Session for Dog Volunteers

If you are interested in working with the dogs at PAWS Atlanta, you will be asked to schedule a mentoring session with a senior volunteer or a staff member. During the mentoring session, you will learn about the dogs who are housed at the shelter, how to correctly walk a dog, the dos and don’ts of working with shelter dogs and important information to keep you and our animals safe and happy. Mentoring sessions will be scheduled at the conclusion of the volunteer orientation.

Forms and Shelter Policies

Please download and complete the application and consent form and bring them with you to your scheduled orientation. In addition, please bring your photo id and a review the Do's and Don'ts for Volunteers document. These guidelines were established for your safety, as well as the safety of our staff and the animals in our care. Volunteers must abide by these guidelines, as well as the instructions and directions of the staff at all times.

Quick Links

Donate Now

Volunteer

Adoptable Cats

Adoptable Dogs

Adoptable Pets with Special Circumstances

Group Volunteer Opportunities

PAWS Atlanta welcomes volunteer groups of all sizes and skill levels for special projects that help us maintain our beautiful shelter. If you wish to coordinate a volunteer day with your company or school, please email Nancy Longacre at nlongacre@pawsatlanta.org for more information.

2011 Group Volunteers

Thank you to all the wonderful group volunteers that did a project at the shelter in 2011: Agnes Scott College, Atlanta Braves, AutoTrader, CBeyond, Emory University, Georgia Natural Gas, Georgia State University, Lend Lease, Morehouse College, Mt. Vernon Presbyterian School, Paedia, Spellman College and Turner Broadcasting.

Community Service

PAWS Atlanta accepts community service for certain misdemeanors. Community service activities may include cleaning kennels, cleaning the grounds and cleaning the Cat Cottage. For more information about community service requirements, please call 770-593-1155.

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