Volunteer FAQs - Dog and Cat Care

How Do I Become a Volunteer?
The first step is to complete a volunteer application form. Links to the volunteer application forms are on this website.
 

How About Training?
You will need to attend a training session on the cat or dog side of PAWS before you can begin volunteering with the cats or dogs. Please check our website for training dates and times.
 

What Happens After Training?
You will be contacted by one of our mentor coordinators to be scheduled for your first shift and paired up with a Mentor. Your Mentor will provide on-the-job training so that you're comfortable and well prepared to volunteer on your own.
 

Do I Need to Volunteer on the Same Shift Every Week?
We welcome you to volunteer on a regular basis or an occasional basis, as your personal schedule allows. If everyone trained would volunteer just once a month we could cover all of our volunteering needs!
 

Can My Child Volunteer?
Yes! Children under the age of 18 who volunteer must be accompanied and supervised by a parent, legal guardian, or an authorized "responsible adult" (21 or older). 
 

As a Volunteer, What Is My Child Allowed to Do?
On the dog side, youth volunteers 13 and older are permitted to work in the kennels. Youth volunteers under 13 may help parents during the Sunday dog showings (12-2 pm). The parent must maintain control of the leash when handling a PAWS dog with youth volunteers under 16. These guidelines are based on insurance and liability issues, and are not a reflection on your child's experience or competency with dogs. On the cat side, youth volunteers can help their parents with cleaning shifts. We recommend youth volunteers be at least 10 years of age.
 

Join the PAWS volunteer team today, and help make a difference to Centre County's homeless animals!