Volunteer Opportunities
Overview
Our Community Outreach volunteers are the backbone of PAWS for Life. Without the positive engagement they foster, we would not be able to reach as many families with information on available resources they may need to better care for their pets, spay/neuter them and keep them for life.
As a Community Outreach Volunteer, you will join our team in going door-to-door in underserved neighborhoods, developing relationships with pet owners who have limited access to pet resources. You will provide important information to community members and help them with services for their pets in a nonjudgmental way.
You will also make instant connections with community members over a common love of pets.
Helpful Skills
- Empathy toward people and communities in need
- Effective communication skills (active listening)
- Basic knowledge of pet wellness
Location and Hours
Meet at the Medical Center (3516 W. 26th St., Chicago IL 60623) and travel to the Englewood neighborhood, or meet in Englewood.
Thursdays and Saturdays
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (10:30 a.m. start time for new volunteers)
Training
- New Volunteer Orientation
- PAWS for Life Orientation
Advanced Volunteer Opportunities
- PAWS for Life Team Leader
Overview
Animal Care & Control (ACC) is the city pound. It’s required to accept any animal brought into its facility. In many cases, these are animals being relinquished by their owners.
The PAWS for Life—Animal Care & Control Front Desk Outreach Program is stationed at the ACC front desk. Its goal is to help lower the number of cats and dogs being surrendered at ACC. You can help owners keep their pets by offering resources such as food/supplies, free spay/neuter, and other services on a case-by-case basis.
As a volunteer at ACC, you will:
- Engage with clients surrendering their pets
- Gather important information
- Provide support to the owner by offering resources and education to try to prevent the current pet from entering the shelter
- Provide information on pet overpopulation to prevent the owner from turning future pets into shelters
Helpful Skills
- Knowledge of pet-related resources and wellness
- Empathy toward the clients giving up their pets
- Effective communication skills
- Problem-solving mindset
Location and Hours
Chicago Animal Care and Control
2741 S. Western Ave.
Chicago, IL 60608
Training
- New Volunteer Orientation
- PAWS for Life Program Orientation
Overview
The PAWS for Life Program uses an extensive reminder and follow-up process to ensure that the spay/neuter appointments made through our program are completed.
We work hard to ensure a 90%+ spay/neuter completion rate. That’s thanks in large part to our Operational Support Volunteers. As an Operational Support Volunteer, you will:
- Make reminder phone calls to confirm spay/neuter appointments
- Enter data related to these appointments
- Run reports
Helpful Skills
- Being comfortable talking on the phone with clients
- Familiarity with Excel spreadsheets
Location and Hours
Hours and location are flexible.
Medical Center:
3516 W. 26th St.
Chicago, IL 60623
Training
- New Volunteer Orientation
- PAWS for Life Program Orientation
Advanced Opportunities
- Team Leader
Overview
Our Community Outreach events introduce us to hundreds of people in one day and require lots of help. These large events take place a couple times a year, and we need a lot of volunteer support. This one-day commitment opportunity is fast-paced, fun and uplifting.
Duties include:
- Greeting and collecting attendee information
- Helping with registration
- Talking with attendees about the benefits of spay/neuter
- Managing lines
- Helping the veterinarians
Helpful Skills
- Effective communication skills
- Organizational skills
- Basic knowledge of pet wellness
Location and Hours
2-3 p.m. Saturdays throughout the year at various outdoor locations
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Training
- New Volunteer Orientation
- Event-specific orientation (held 2 weeks before the event)
Advanced Volunteer Opportunities
- Team Leader
Overview
One of the most common barriers to access spay/neuter for pet owners in underserved communities is a lack of transportation. We remove that obstacle by providing transportation to and from the Lurie Spay/Neuter Clinic. This rewarding opportunity creates immediate, positive change in the lives of the pets you transport.
As a Transport Volunteer, you will pick up and drop off pets for their spay/neuter appointments using PAWS Chicago vehicles. You will ensure all waivers are signed and explain post-surgery instructions to pet owners.
Helpful Skills
- A valid driver’s license (require)
- Animal handling experience
- A familiarity with spay/neuter services
- Effective communication skills
Location and Hours
The Englewood community and the Lurie Spay/Neuter Clinic:
3516 W. 26th St.
Chicago, IL 60623
Tuesdays and Wednesdays
7:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Training
- New Volunteer Orientation
- Participate in at least one ride-along with the Outreach Manager
Advanced Volunteer Opportunities
- Team Leader
Overview
Team Leaders are invaluable members of PAWS for Life, providing leadership to other volunteers and helping with door-to-door outreach; community outreach events, transportation and operational support
As a PAWS for Life Team Leader, you may:
- Present the PAWS for Life Program Orientation to new volunteers
- Lead volunteers during group outreach
- Serve as a point person at community outreach events
Helpful Skills
- Leadership skills
- Understanding or desire to understand under served communities
- Positivity
Location and Hours
Varies depending on what area of program is the focus.
Two primary locations:
- Medical Center (3516 W. 26th St.)
- The Englewood community
Training
- New Volunteer Orientation
- PAWS for Life Program Orientation