Individual Volunteering

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at PAWS Atlanta! 

As a safety precaution, we are currently limiting the total number of volunteers on-site to sixteen per day and require that they sign up ahead of time for a specific task using our online scheduling tool. All volunteers must also attend an orientation prior to their first volunteer shift.

Volunteers are required to adhere to our COVID-19 guidelines while on-site. Take a look at our updated COVID-19 policy here.

If you have questions or want to learn more, send a message to Sam Long, Volunteer and Database Coordinator, at slong@pawsatlanta.org.

*Please note*: Community Service is a separate program from our general volunteers. If you are looking to perform court-mandated community service at PAWS Atlanta, please contact our front desk team at info@pawsatlanta.org or (770) 593-1155. Community Service is not a part of our volunteer program.

Volunteer Application
Volunteer Login
Volunteer Waiver
Volunteer Handbook
PHOTO RELEASE

Ready to Volunteer?

Step 1

Complete the Application

All volunteers are required to fill out an application. 

Step 2

Attend an Orientation

After submitting the application, you will receive an email with instructions on how to register for an upcoming orientation.

Step 3

Schedule a Time

After attending an orientation session, you will receive an email with instructions on how to schedule future volunteer opportunities.

Expectations of PAWS Volunteers

  • Support PAWS Atlanta’s philosophies and policies inside and outside the shelter.

  • Attend required orientation, training, and events that you register for.

  • Volunteering is a commitment. Please ensure you are honest with yourself and us concerning your needs, wishes, and availability.

  • Be able to follow detailed instructions and work independently with limited to no supervision.

  • Be at least 18 years of age. Not all volunteers will be approved to handle all the animals in our care.

  • Maintain an active email account so we can easily communicate with you.

Volunteer Opportunities

Administration

For those that like to work behind the scenes, PAWS is always in need of Administration Volunteers to assist with tasks such as: answering phones, listening to voice mails, filing, data entry, fulfilling mailers, etc.

Animal Transport

Our Animal Transport Volunteers use their own vehicles to transport animals to the shelter from Animal Controls within GA. We also need assistance getting our animals to veterinary appointments, offsite events and foster homes. 

Buddy Project

As a Buddy Project volunteer, you are serving as an advocate for a shelter dog. You will be paired up a dog and go for off-site adventures, promote them on social media platforms to increase their visibility, and give them additional one-on-one time with a new friend.

 

Cleaning and Organization

As a Cleaning and Organization Volunteer we need your help to keep our shelter tidy and presentable for our animals and potential adopters. Help us put our best paw forward!

Community Outreach

Awareness is step one! Assist as a Community Outreach Volunteer providing education to our community about PAWS Atlanta and our mission.

Cat Care and Enrichment

Our Cat Care and Enrichment Volunteers work in collaboration with shelter staff and other volunteers to ensure the daily enrichment, socialization and care of our shelter cats. In this volunteer position you are highly visible to the public and will routinely interact with potential adopters, if you feel comfortable, to help them find their new best friend. 

Dog Care and Enrichment

Our Dog Care and Enrichment Volunteers work in collaboration with shelter staff and other volunteers to ensure the daily enrichment, socialization and care of the shelter dogs. In this volunteer position you are highly visible to the public and will routinely interact with potential adopters, if you feel comfortable, to help them find their new best friend. 

Events

Represent PAWS Atlanta as an Events Volunteer at special events and community events by handling adoptable animals and assisting with event tasks like registration and auction assistance.

Fundraising/Marketing

Our Fundraising and Marketing Volunteers help us to develop, organize and promote opportunities that raise awareness and valuable funds to support our lifesaving mission. 

Landscaping and Maintenance

As a Landscaping and Maintenance Volunteer you will assist with general maintenance of the shelter, equipment and grounds.

Puppy Therapy

Puppy Therapy volunteers meet PAWS Atlanta staff and volunteers at an off-site location such as a business, company, or university. You will be a dog handler for the duration of the event, which lasts approximately 60-90 minutes in duration.

Vaccine Clinic

Assist our medical team as a Vaccine Clinic Volunteer by checking in our clinic patients and educating our community on Heartworms, Fleas and Ticks. 

Sign me up for
PAWS Atlanta News!

Stay up to date with the latest news from your pet pals here at PAWS Atlanta by signing up for our newsletter.