If you are 18 years old or older:
Joining the PAWS Chicago volunteer team is fun and easy – the first step is attending New Volunteer Orientation! Click the link below to complete the online orientation application. Following orientation, you will be eligible to sign up for volunteer shifts at either the Lincoln Park Adoption Center and/or our Medical Center.
Complete the online orientation application to get started!
If you are 12 to 17 years old:
You can join our Junior Volunteers program! In this program, volunteers under 18 years of age can volunteer with a parent or legal guardian. To become a Junior Volunteer, please fill out the JV application here.
If you need to reschedule your session, please email volunteers@pawschicago.org. Include the date of your original orientation, the date of the orientation you would prefer to attend, and your first and last name. The Volunteer Team will confirm when your orientation has been rescheduled.
Help us stretch our dollars by donating supplies. New and most gently used items are greatly appreciated. If you are able to give, please consider supporting our critical work by choosing one of our most needed items here. We also welcome donations of new items that are on our Amazon Wishlist. Thank you for your support!
Group activities include cleaning, organizing donations, and other essential shelter tasks! For more information or to schedule a group visit, please contact our volunteer coordinator at volunteer1@pawschicago.org.
Interested in having a PAWS volunteer speak to your group virtually? Please email volunteer1@pawschicago.org to learn more about our virtual PAWS Ambassadors – volunteers trained to deliver online educational programs about PAWS and our mission to your group!
Yes, volunteers looking to complete completing community service hours for school, church or another organization are able to do so at PAWS Chicago. Volunteers are responsible for tracking their hours and must obtain appropriate staff signatures every time they volunteer in order to receive verification of the hours.
Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate court-ordered community service at this time.
