Volunteers are the backbone of our facility and aid our staff in daily operations. While we do have individuals that prefer to concentrate on one specific area (i.e. cats, cleaning), the majority of our volunteers are multifaceted.
The volunteer experience at the shelter includes (but is not limited to):
If there is anything you are physically unable to do, please notify us before you begin volunteering.
You will make a tremendous difference in the lives of the animals in our care. Help us work towards making a more humane community for all animals!
Attending a volunteer orientation is the first step in becoming a volunteer here at People’s Animal Welfare Society (P.A.W.S.). Before anyone can start volunteering, they must attend this orientation. Here you will learn the basics of being a volunteer, and will be trained in handling dogs or cats.
As a non-profit organization, we greatly value our dedicated volunteers. In becoming a volunteer, you become part of our team, representing P.A.W.S. to the general public and helping us in supporting the animals at the shelter. Whether you work directly with the animals or assist with other tasks around the building, whatever you choose to do has a tremendously positive impact on our shelter and the animals. We simply wouldn’t be able to do it all without you!
All new volunteers are required to participate in a volunteer orientation before they may start actively volunteering at the shelter. Please keep an eye on our upcoming volunteer orientation for the next exciting opportunity!
Dog Companion:
Work one-on-one with the dogs to walk, socialize, and learn basic training commands.
Cat Companion:
Volunteers take the shelter cats out of the cages to provide exercise, grooming, and socialization.
Adoption Outreach:
Volunteers take animals to designated locations and promote the adoptions of these pets. They also distribute information about the shelter, collect donations, promote membership, and interact with the public.
Special events:
Volunteers attend special events, either on site or at various locations to promote the shelter and assist in collecting donations, and handling shelter animals ready for adoption.
We love working with our local Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops! Schedule a tour for your troop to earn their badges and learn about P.A.W.S.!
How Can You Help?
Please contact us at volunteer@pawstinleypark.org to learn more!
The first step is to fill out our Volunteer Application. Please fill out the application online. Once we have received your application, you will be contacted through email to set up a Volunteer Orientation (please allow 4-6 weeks for processing).
Yes. Volunteers must be 18 years or older.
We do have a Junior Program for volunteers between the ages of 14 and 17 and must have parental consent.
The minimum commitment is a standing minimum 3-hour shift each week for at least 6 months.
Mornings 7:30am – 10:30am (Saturday and Sunday only)
Afternoons 11:30am – 4:00pm
Evenings 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Right away!
Peoples Animal Welfare Society (P.A.W.S.) prioritizes the safety of everyone who walks through our doors. Anyone entering the shelter must wear a mask at all times (properly, over the nose), sanitize frequently, and keep socially distant from others. Additionally, we limit the amount of volunteers allowed on-site per shift. You’ll learn more about specifics during your orientation.
Closed-toe shoes are required for volunteering in all animal areas. Sneakers or hiking shoes are the preferred footwear. Clog-type shoes are not permitted. Long pants are strongly recommended for volunteering in any animal care area. Volunteers are advised to dress in layers during the spring, fall and winter months because the mornings can be chilly and the afternoons warm.
Unfortunately, no. We do not have volunteers under the age of 18 working at the shelter. Additionally, if you are watching your child, you are not focusing 100% on your job, which can be dangerous.
No. Anyone who performs the duties of a volunteer or enters Staff Only areas (such as the corrals) must be a registered volunteer of Peoples Animal Welfare Society (P.A.W.S.). This is for the safety of our staff, volunteers and animals.
We do have a a foster program that is open to Peoples Animal Welfare Society (P.A.W.S.) volunteers. You will find out more about this at your volunteer orientation.
Peoples Animal Welfare Society (P.A.W.S.) volunteers are welcome to volunteer at all events. Once you have attended both orientations, you will begin to receive weekly volunteer emails with information on upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.
Our cats and dogs are all under veterinary care and have received their standard vaccinations. In the event an animal comes down with a contagious infection, we isolate them from the rest of the shelter and inform volunteers of their condition. While we take every precaution to protect our staff and volunteers, the risk of contracting minor infections ( i.e. Ringworm), is present in all animal shelters and facilities with a large number of animals.
Peoples Animal Welfare Society (P.A.W.S.) has a place for everyone. Some of our volunteer opportunities (such as dog walking) require volunteers to be in good physical condition, however, we have different options for volunteers of all abilities.
At this time we do not offer any court ordered community service.
Please email us at volunteer@pawstinleypark.org .
8301 W. 191st Street
Tinley Park, Illinois 60487
Telephone: (815) 464-7298
© 2024 P.A.W.S. People Animal Welfare Society.