We’re happy that you’re interested in volunteering your time and energy at the Precious Paws! Volunteering is an immeasurably rewarding experience and integral to the success of Precious Paws mission. The shelter could not exist without the support of volunteers who bring a diversity of interests, knowledge, expertise, and caring to our organization.


The life of an animal in a shelter can be very challenging. Getting an opportunity every day to have special time and attention is what helps them “get by with a little help from their friends.” Our volunteers are truly best friends to the animals in our care, and many volunteers have said that they personally get a huge reward from their time with the animals. Plus, they get to meet other great animal lovers. It’s a win, win partnership! We have many ways for volunteers to pitch in and help.



The shelter relies on dedicated volunteers to provide services including (but is not limited to):


  • cleaning animal areas and facility
  • socialization and grooming for cats
  • greeting guests for special events
  • feeding / handling / bathing animals
  • animal database entry
  • fundraising and outreach
  • recruitment of new volunteers
  • and more…


What types of volunteer opportunities are available?



Office Hours Volunteer


Office hours take place at our office. As an Office Hours Volunteer, you will be present at the office as a resource to people who visit us. Visitors often arrive to drop off donations or pick up supplies for their foster animal. You will also show available animals to the public, answer phones, and do RTO's. We prefer people commit to a  block of time to be able to perform on the same day(s) and time(s) each week. During this time, your shift may include cleaning and organizing the office, doing laundry, helping with donation drop-offs, letting the dogs out and caring for the cats. There are always plenty of activities to work on while at the office! 


Office hour shifts are from Monday - Saturday from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm.


Morning or Weekend  Volunteer 


Volunteers assist with daily cleaning in cat and dog housing areas and then provide additional enrichment and socialization to our cats and dogs. 


You will also wash, dry, fold and organize clean linens, wash dishes, prep enrichment supplies, clean crates, refill water and food bowls and basic cleaning of the shelter. 

This position is very important to keep our shelter clean and running smoothly and is always needed throughout the day!


Animal Photographer


Like to capture photographs of animals that express their personality? Animal Photographers beautifully photograph shelter animals in teams for marketing and promotional purposes and for our website’s Adoptions page. Using your own digital photography equipment and software, you would take the photos and download, edit, and upload them for distribution.


Grooming Volunteer


Want to help our dogs’ and cats' look and feel great? Grooming Volunteers help to provide basic grooming such as bathing and brushing to help improve a dog’s and cat's appearance, comfort and well-being. This also helps a dog or cat put his or her best paw forward when meeting a new potential adopter or future family member.



How Do I Become a Volunteer?



Step #1: Fill out the  Volunteer Application


Step #2: Mentor training with an experienced volunteer





For Volunteers Under 18 Years Old




  • All volunteers under 18 need to fill out the Youth Volunteer application
  • Youths under 18 must be accompanied by an adult


How Do I Become a Volunteer?


Step #1: Fill out the Youth Volunteer Application


Step #2: Mentor training with an experienced volunteer






Interested in learning more about being a volunteer 

or want to volunteer? 

Click the button below to contact us or fill out a Volunteer Application!

Volunteer Information