Individual Volunteering

Come volunteer at PAWS Atlanta! 

We appreciate your interest in volunteering at Atlanta's oldest no-kill animal shelter! All volunteers must attend an orientation prior to volunteering with us. To get started, complete a volunteer application (linked on the right). Once your application is complete, you'll receive an email with further information about signing up for an upcoming orientation.

Expectations of PAWS Atlanta Volunteers

  • Support PAWS Atlanta’s philosophies and policies inside and outside the shelter.
  • Attend required orientation, training, and events that you register for. 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.
  • Maintain an active email account so we can easily communicate with you.

If you have questions or want to learn more, reach out to Beth Galvin, Interim Volunteer Coordinator, at volunteercoordinator@pawsatlanta.org.

*Please note*: Community Service is separate from our volunteer program. 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

Ready to Volunteer?

Step 1

Complete the Application

All volunteers are required to fill out an application and submit signed consent waivers.

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 information about how to get further involved.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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 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 1-2 hours.

Vaccine Clinic

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