Centre County PAWS is a non-profit, volunteer-based organization. PAWS offers volunteers many rewarding opportunities.
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 page. You may either drop a printed form off at the PAWS Center on Trout Road, or you may email the form as an attachment to us at newvolunteer@centrecountypaws.org.
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 should receive an email from us letting you know that you have been added to our listservs for volunteering on the cat or dog side of PAWS, and inviting you to sign up for shifts. If you have not seen this email, please check your spam/junk folder.
I'm Volunteering for the First Time - What Do I Do?
Please let the other people on your shift know that you are a first-time volunteer. They will be happy to show you the ropes and let you know what to do.
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. 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!