Make a difference in the lives of stray and abandoned cats by joining the

PAWS Cat Care team!

You may be the next PAWS Cat Care volunteer if you…

• have spare time and energy; and

• are physically able to work on your feet for the duration of a shift (2.5+ hours) and perform physical tasks such as bending, reaching and lifting; and

• feel OK about cleaning litterboxes and the messes that come along with caring for a cat; and

• are comfortable handling cats and supervising the interactions of multiple cats at one time; and

• have the ability to follow instructions and work independently; and of course

• enjoy cats and all of their unique personalities!

At capacity, there are 14 cats in PAWS’ care.  Volunteers provide care two times a day, 365 days a year. The shifts are in the morning (starting between 7:00 – 9:00 AM) and the evening (starting between 4:30 – 6:00 PM).

Volunteers sign up for shifts through a group email and sign up for as few or as many shifts as they wish throughout the month.  Whatever suits your schedule!

PAWS does not currently mandate a minimum number of shifts but we hope that volunteers will commit to at least one shift a month.

What you can expect as a cat care volunteer:

• reading; feeding instructions, updates and shift journal entries

• providing food and fresh water

• cleaning litterboxes, kennels and individual rooms

• documenting the care for each cat

• cleaning such as washing dishes & sweeping floors

• managing the Mixing & Mingling of the cats while they are out of their kennels and rooms.

Volunteers can anticipate the tasks will take approximately 2.5+ hours to complete and then it is wonderful if you can stay longer to interact and enjoy the cats’ company.  They love playing, receiving pets and chin scratches and being groomed.  Well, let’s be honest, not every cat will be in the mood for such things!

The minimum age to volunteer independently is 18 years.

Youth between the ages of 12 and 17 years may volunteer only when accompanied by someone who is 18+ years old (adult). The adult volunteering with the youth must have completed all requirements (application, shelter tour and orientation) and the maximum number of youth supervised by a fully trained adult is two (2).  An exception may be made for an organized group where the ratio of trained adults to youth between the ages of 12–17 is 1:2 (1 trained adult for every 2 youth age 12-17). The parent/guardian of youth must sign the application and waiver(s).  PAWS does not have an adult/youth program for those under the age of 12.

Becoming a volunteer involves three steps:

#1       Submit an application. Hit the button below to begin your journey of becoming a PAWS Cat Care volunteer.

#2      Tour the shelter to gain a better sense of what is involved.

#3      Complete an orientation shift where you learn hands-on the tasks involved.

If you feel this volunteer work may be a good fit for you, please contact us.  We would be happy to answer questions and get you on your way to becoming a PAWS Cat Care volunteer!

Email: portageanimalwelfaresociety@hotmail.com

Phone: 204-857-7297