When you adopt from a no-kill shelter, you save two lives. The animal you adopt and the one that replaces them.

We are seeking Saturday afternoon adult volunteers with experience handling larger breed dogs. The weekly shift runs from 11:30 AM – 4 PM. We need assistance with cleaning and feeding to start and eventually handling dogs and showing them to potential adopters. If you’re interested, please fill out the application https://pawstinleypark.org/volunteer-application/ and reference your interest on Saturday afternoon. Thank you!

New Adult Volunteer Meeting

April 26, 2025 10:00am

P.A.W.S. of Tinley Park

8301 W. 191st, Tinley Park, IL

May 6, 2025 7:00pm

P.A.W.S. of Tinley Park

8301 W. 191st, Tinley Park, IL

May 31, 2025 10:00am

P.A.W.S. of Tinley Park

8301 W. 191st, Tinley Park, IL

UPCOMING EVENTS

NOTICE OF MEETING

UPCOMING

P.A.W.S. General Membership Meetings

2/25/25, 3/25/25, 4/29/25, 9/30/25, 11/25/25

Tinley Park Historical Society

6727 W. 174th St.

Tinley Park, IL

7:00 p.m.

Please plan on attending this

informative meeting.

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Volunteer with Peoples Animal Welfare Society (P.A.W.S.)

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):

  • cleaning animal areas and facility
  • assisting potential adopters
  • speaking to public about Peoples Animal Welfare Society’s mission
  • dog walking / feeding / handling
  • cat socializing / feeding / handling
  • bathing animals
  • greeting guests for special events

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!

Volunteer Opportunities

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.

Girl Scouts/Boy Scouts

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?

  • Set up donation drives/drop boxes
  • Volunteer at P.A.W.S.
  • Volunteer at events for P.A.W.S.

Please contact us at volunteer@pawstinleypark.org to learn more!

Volunteer Application
We are proud to introduce our volunteer of the month, Connie Bolda!

Connie was nominated as volunteer of the month by her peers because:

“Connie always grooms the dogs to look so beautiful and ready for adoption!”

“Connie is a blessing to these dogs. She spends hours making the dogs comfortable!”

Connie started volunteering 12 years about because: “I started volunteering because I love animals, especially dogs. I had time to help, and so here I am!”

“I enjoy volunteering because I love the people at PAWS, I’ve met so many great volunteers. I also just love being able to use my grooming skills to help. To others considering volunteering, it is such a rewarding experience!”

“I chose to pose with Levi, because he is such a cute and friendly pup! I met him when he was a ball of matted hair who had never been groomed. After his haircut, he’s a happy bouncy puppy with a new lease on life!”

We are so glad to have Connie in our PAWS family! This little lady not only handles the biggest dogs, walking them and giving them extra care, but she comes in anytime we have a small little neglected pup who has probably never been groomed. Her compassion and patience is something you don’t find everyday! Connie has a big heart and we are so lucky to know her. Thank you, Connie!

Volunteer FAQ

How do I become a volunteer?

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).

Is there an age requirement to volunteer?

Yes. Volunteers must be 18 years or older.

My teenager wants to volunteer. Can they?

We do have a Junior Program for volunteers between the ages of 14 and 17 and must have parental consent.

What is the time commitment?

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

How soon after orientation can I begin volunteering?

Right away!

How has the pandemic affected volunteer operations?

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.

What should I wear?

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.

Can I bring my child with me when I volunteer? I want him/her to have the experience of caring for animals.

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.

Can I bring my family member or friend to volunteer with me?

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.

Does Peoples Animal Welfare Society (P.A.W.S.) offer foster opportunities to volunteers?

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.

How do I volunteer for events?

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.

Can I pick up any infections or diseases at the shelter?

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.

I have a disability. Can I still volunteer?

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.

Do you accept court ordered community service?

At this time we do not offer any court ordered community service.

Have more questions?

Please email us at volunteer@pawstinleypark.org .

Volunteer Application

OUR LOCATION

P.A.W.S. Tinley Park

8301 W. 191st Street
Tinley Park, Illinois 60487
Telephone: (815) 464-7298