PAWS Chicago is the largest no-kill humane organization in the city, dedicated to transforming animal welfare by providing shelter and care for homeless animals through the implementation of real-world solutions. This non-profit organization is funded by donations and is able to see through its mission with the dedication and commitment of volunteers, who care about the rehabilitation and re-homing of dogs and cats. Volunteers can make a difference through various tasks, such as assisting with community education and outreach programs, implementing follow-up programs, and raising donations and awareness at special events. More hands-on opportunities are available at the Rescue and Recovery Center or Spay and Neuter Clinic, where members can aid with surgery support and daily care, from grooming to behavioral assessments. Volunteers can go the extra mile by offering to become foster parents and provide temporary foster care, allowing more animals to be taken in.
Mary Rizk, a senior at the University of Illinois at Chicago and intern at PAWS Chicago, tells us why this organization’s mission is one to be a part of and why she enjoys being their intern!
What volunteer opportunities are available at PAWS Chicago?
The different volunteer opportunities depend on where you volunteer. If you volunteer at the Adoption Center, you can volunteer to work with the cats in Kitty City or with the dogs in Dog Town. You can also be a Welcome Center volunteer, which consists of greeting potential adopters and answering any questions people might have. If you volunteer at the Spay and Neuter Clinic, you would be helping the animals after their surgeries, have guest services roles, and potentially be helping with the actual procedures. As a Special Events volunteer, you assist at events and outreach programs, which requires going into the city and surrounding neighborhoods to help with affairs surrounding adoption.
What is your role as an intern at PAWS Chicago?
I work at the Adoption Center. I handle many administrative responsibilities, such as processing new volunteers and helping with anything the staff needs to be done. I also help run a program called Family Service, which allows minors to volunteer at the center, as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. I also handle all paperwork and waivers, as well as host the families on the weekends. I lead them through a training session and give them jobs to do around the center. When there is about 15 minutes left in their shift, I give them a break so they can stop working and go hang out and interact with the animals.
What do you like about being an intern at this organization?
I like being an intern at PAWS. I am given a lot of responsibility, and I like learning and stepping up to the challenges they give me. I also like being so involved and trusted.
What makes the PAWS mission stand out?
It’s an upstanding nonprofit organization to be a part of because their mission is to respect the lives of all cats and dogs. They are working to create a no-kill Chicago, which means that no animal will be killed due to limited space in pounds and shelters. It is rare to walk into the center week after week and find all the same dogs or cats. They are adopted fast!
For more information about volunteering at PAWS Chicago, visit http://www.pawschicago.org/volunteer/ and receive updates by visiting their Facebook and Twitter pages.