If you are 18 years old or older:
- Select a location to begin volunteering. You can always cross train to help out at both locations, you’ll just choose one in which to get started!
- Lincoln Park Adoption Center (1997 N. Clybourn Ave., Chicago)
- North Shore Adoption Center (1616 Deerfield Road, Highland Park) TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO COVID-19
- Medical Center (3516 W. 26th St., Chicago)
- Fill out the New Volunteer Application to get started!
If you are 12 to 17 years old:
Junior Volunteers have an opportunity to help homeless pets through our Family Service Program. In this program, volunteers under 18 years of age can volunteer with a parent or legal guardian. Due to COVID-19 capacity limits, this program is currently only open to new volunteers at our Medical Center (3516 W. 26th St.)
To become a Junior Volunteer, please fill out the <link how-to-help/volunteer/volunteer-opportunities/junior-and-family-volunteering/>Family Service Application</link>.
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.
We will no longer be accepting any USED household items (towels, sheets etc) or any USED animal items with the exception of crates—due to health and safety concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic. We will still continue to accept sealed food/treats and NEW animal supplies in packaging. If you are able to give, please consider supporting our critical work during the COVID-19 crisis 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.
