Volunteer Opportunities
🐾 Volunteer at UPAWS
Volunteers are the heart of UPAWS. Whether you’re walking dogs, comforting cats, sorting laundry, helping at events, or supporting behind the scenes, every role makes a real difference for the animals in our care.
We offer opportunities to fit different schedules, comfort levels, and interests — and every hour helps provide comfort, care, enrichment, and love to shelter pets while they wait for homes of their own.
Ready to apply?
Applications can be found at the bottom of this page.
Current Openings
We have opportunities in the following areas:
- Dog Walking (three shifts daily)
- Cat Cleaning (morning shifts)
- Cat Socializing (afternoon shifts)
- Laundry & Donations (flexible shifts)
- Essential Chore Help (flexible shifts)
- Events & Fundraising (seasonal and as needed)
- Board & Committee Work
Availability changes frequently. After you submit your application, you will be contacted to complete an online orientation. We will then reach out when a suitable opening becomes available.
Before You Apply
All volunteers must be 18 or older and complete an online orientation before starting. Most in-shelter roles require a consistent weekly or bi-weekly commitment for a minimum of two months. No prior experience is needed — we provide training for every role. Placement depends on current openings, and some roles (especially dog walking) may have a waitlist. Approved volunteers are welcome to start in another area while they wait.
UPAWS is unable to provide one-on-one supervision for volunteers. After initial training, volunteers are expected to work independently and follow shelter procedures on their own. Due to insurance requirements, not all roles are available to every volunteer. Individuals who require a support person or have questions about what roles may be suitable for them are welcome to contact Ann directly at volunteer@upaws.org before applying.
Common Questions
How soon can I start?
Placement depends on current openings. We’ll reach out by email when a suitable opportunity is available — please check your inbox and spam folder.
Can I volunteer occasionally instead of weekly?
Most in-shelter roles need a consistent schedule. Flexible options exist for events and seasonal drives if a regular shift doesn’t work for you.
Can I choose my role?
We do our best to match your interests to current needs. Some roles have waitlists, but approved volunteers may have the option to start in another area and transition when an opening comes up.
Do you accept court-ordered or community service volunteering?
At this time, we are not able to accommodate court-ordered or supervised placements due to staffing limitations.
Do you offer group volunteering?
Groups are welcome to support UPAWS in a limited capacity. Due to insurance requirements, working directly with shelter animals is not available for group volunteers.
Contact Ann to discuss what might work for your group.
To inquire, email volunteer@upaws.org.
Can I volunteer just for one day?
We are not able to offer single-day in-shelter volunteering. Our animals require consistency and proper training to keep them safe. However, there are plenty of other ways to get involved — fundraisers, DIY projects, and wish list drives are great options for one-time participation.
Apply today and help make a difference for pets at UPAWS. 🐾
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