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
Volunteer!
Why Volunteer?
Read an interview with Julie Bauman, PAWS volunteer and member of the Board of Directors here.
View our latest volunteer profile from the Pawprints newsletter!
Volunteers are always needed to help care for the animals at PAWS, and to help promote the responsible and compassionate care of animals in the community. The time volunteers spend with the shelter animals does much to help make their stay more comfortable. The special attention and socialization the animals receive from caring volunteers helps reduce the stress of being in a new and unfamiliar environment and increases their adoptability.
We also rely on volunteers to help with special events, such as Bark in the Park, adoption outreach events, fundraising, and numerous indirect services. Whether you choose to work directly with animals or indirectly to benefit animals, there are many ways you can help!
Please note:
- Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age and attend a 2-hour orientation session and a 2-hour training class.
- A minimum of a 3-month commitment must be made to the program. Depending on the volunteer’s duties and availability, hours will vary.
Volunteer Opportunities
Below are some of the specific Volunteer Opportunities available:
- Dog walking
- Cat caretaking
- Bathing & grooming
- Adoption counseling
- Adoption outreach
- Cleaning/laundry
- Clerical
- Bulk mail
- Pet Therapy Visitation
- Reading to Dogs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why Volunteer for the Peoria Humane Society and PAWS?
PAWS receives more than 7,000 animals annually who need the special attention volunteers can give. As an animal lover, you can make a difference for the homeless, unwanted and mistreated animals in our community.
What can I do at PAWS or the Peoria Humane Society?
There are both direct and indirect service opportunities available to volunteer staff. Volunteers provide the ‘luxuries’ that the small shelter staff can’t – individual attention, walking outdoors, feeding treats, and generally making the animals more comfortable during their stay.
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.
How can I become a volunteer for the Peoria Humane Society and PAWS?
Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age and attend a 2-hour orientation session and a 2-hour training class. New volunteers should be able to make a minimum 3-month commitment to the program. Orientation & Training classes for new volunteers are currently offered three times yearly - January, April, and July. Contact our Volunteer Coordinator at 682-9015 or phscrc@yahoo.com for more information on volunteering or to sign up for our next Orientation & Training classes.
Volunteer Scheduling
Volunteer scheduling will vary according to the needs of the shelter/organization and each volunteer’s availability. Generally, volunteers commit to a 2-3 hour shift on a regular weekly or bi-weekly basis. The hours available to volunteer at PAWS are 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Saturday. Although our scheduling is flexible, we unfortunately cannot always accommodate the scheduling needs of every prospective volunteer.
What will we expect of you?
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.
What can you expect from PAWS/PHS?
- Tail wags and licks!
- An opportunity to develop skills and gain work experience.
- Earn credit for school or work.
- Act as an advocate for all animals.
- Acquaintance with others who share a regard for animals.
Volunteers – Our Best Asset!
Volunteers continue to make life much better for the animals in the Peoria area. The PHS is blessed to have more than 90 active volunteers who help with everything from walking dogs to filing to special event planning. In 2007, these fantastic individuals, the PHS volunteers:
- Walked dogs 16,800 times.
- Cuddled cats 800 hours.
- Delivered 13,000 pounds of pet food to needy families.
- Made 168 visits to area nursing homes and hospitals with animals.
- Helped 1,000 attendees at our annual Bark in the Park.
- Filed 25,000 documents.
- Attended 12 adoption outreach events promoting shelter pets for adoption.
- Decorated the cat room and other shelter areas.
- Did much, much more!
Why Volunteer?
When Julie Bauman moved to Peoria from Pontiac five years ago, she participated in various volunteer projects in the community through her employer, Price Waterhouse Coopers. But Julie wanted to increase her volunteer involvement, so she thought about what she was passionate about and decided that it was her love of animals. She has two cats at home but her work travel prevented her from having a dog.
Julie decided to satisfy her desire to spend time with dogs by volunteering at PAWS 16 months ago. She attended the two volunteer training sessions which she said were “great,” helped her to feel very prepared for her chosen volunteer activity — dog walking — and educated her about PAWS and the Peoria Humane Society’s mission. Julie walks dogs two Saturdays a month, spending two to three hours each Saturday.
Spending time with dogs gives Julie a lot of satisfaction. “You give them all the love you can while they’re at PAWS,” she said. Julie talks to the dogs, tries to engage them, and plays catch with the “more rambunctious ones.”
In addition to donating her time to dog walking, Julie wanted to increase her involvement with the Peoria Humane Society (PHS) so she joined its Board of Directors in March. “After interacting with the people and the animals at PAWS and PHS, I decided to contribute more time to these very important and worthwhile organizations,” Julie said. “I like to encourage more people to donate time to the animals at PAWS and to help PHS by volunteering to be on the Board of Directors. You’re really providing a valuable service to the animals and the community,” she said.