The essence of volunteerism is not giving part of a surplus one doesn’t need, but giving part of one’s self. Such giving is more than a duty of the heart, but a way people help themselves by satisfying the deeper spiritual needs that represent the best that is in us.

Kathleen Kennedy Townsend

The Peoria Humane Society and PAWS also seek volunteers and groups interested in short-term projects. Your special skills can help improve the lives of hundreds of animals by volunteering your time just a few hours a month.

Serious concern for animal welfare. Satisfaction in working with companion animals and the public. Completion of an orientation session and 2 hours of training. Commitment and understanding of our philosophy and policies.

Training Schedule for New PAWS/PHS Volunteers

Many volunteer opportunities are available with PAWS/PHS including dog walking, cat caretaking, video & photo projects, pet therapy visitation, adoption outreach, fundraising, special events and more! All new volunteers are required to attend a two-part Orientation & Training session in order to become a PAWS/PHS volunteer. The next training dates after that will be April 14th and 21st, 2007. Contact Patti Schaffner, Volunteer Coordinator, for more information on volunteering. Phone: 682-9015 or e-mail: phscrc@yahoo.com.

PHS Volunteer Helps with PetsMart Cat Adoptions

As we mentioned in our last newsletter, one week a month PAWS has the opportunity to place shelter cats in the in-store Adoption Center at PetsMart. PetsMart staff care for the cats during the week and assist customers wishing to adopt a cat. One of our PHS volunteers has also been very involved in making sure as many cats as possible get adopted during their week at PetsMart. Sue Kelly-Scott, a PHS board member and volunteer, spends her evenings at PetsMart with the PAWS kitties. Sue, the enthusiastic cat lover that she is, helps care for the cats, shows them to potential adopters, explains adoption policies and procedures, and helps educate people on the importance of considering a shelter cat when looking for a new pet. Thanks, Sue, for your time and commitment!

Volunteer Spotlight

Jolene Geyer - PHS/PAWS volunteer, can be found in the Cat Room at PAWS every other Saturday morning. And she’s been doing that for the past eight years! Since she began volunteering in 1998, Jolene has become a valued member of our volunteer program in many areas. Although an animal lover in general, Jolene has a special love for cats. She spends time at PAWS providing care and socialization to the shelter’s feline residents. She also counsels potential adopters, sharing special individual information about the various cats available, what to expect when taking home a new cat, and the responsibilities of adopting a cat.

Jolene is also actively involved in Adoption Outreach events throughout the year. Fondly known to us as the “Cat Whisperer”, she usually has a cat sitting calmly on her lap for hours at adoption events.

We’ve been very fortunate to have Jolene’s involvement with the Bark in the Park. Jolene serves as a member of the Bark in the Park planning committee, and volunteers many, many hours before, during, and after the Bark helping to make it the successful fundraising event it has become.

We want to extend a big THANK YOU to Jolene for all she does to make a difference for animals, and we hope she will continue to be involved as a PHS volunteer for many more years to come!

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers are always needed to walk dogs, cuddle with cats, bathe and groom animals for adoption, and all sorts of other projects.  

A minimum of a 3-month commitment must be made to the program. Depending on the volunteer's duties, hours will vary.