Volunteering at Animal Welfare Association is more than a kind act. It’s a promise to help animals and the people who care for them. AWA has always been a light for homeless and vulnerable animals. Its success comes from the hard work of its volunteers. Volunteers are vital to AWA's mission. They care for shelter animals. They foster pets. They help with education programs. They also join pet therapy initiatives. Their support makes a big difference.
A Welcoming and Flexible Volunteer Program
AWA’s volunteer program is open and welcoming. Anyone who cares about animal welfare can get involved. The program is for people 16 and older. There’s also a Junior Volunteer program for animal lovers aged 12 to 15. This flexibility lets everyone, no matter their experience, find ways to give back. Whether someone can commit a few hours a month or multiple days a week, every effort counts.
Nicole Davidson, an AWA volunteer, praises the program’s flexibility and diverse opportunities. Nicole wishes she had more time to give. She finds comfort in knowing that small contributions can really matter.
The Many Ways to Make a Difference
AWA offers many volunteer opportunities, each catering to different interests and skill sets. Volunteers can help in many ways. They can work directly with animals. They can also assist with outreach and education. Supporting administrative tasks is another option. Lastly, they can take part in special events.
Pet Therapy and Community Outreach
Pet therapy is another cherished aspect of AWA’s volunteer program. Volunteers and their therapy animals visit nursing homes, hospitals, and community centers. They bring comfort and joy to those in need. Doug Hill started his pet therapy journey after he adopted Sophie. She is an amazing dog who excelled in training and soon became a certified therapy dog. Since 2018, Doug and Sophie have made more than 500 visits. This achievement earned Sophie the AKC Therapy Dog Distinguished title.
Betty Rae McKie, a volunteer of 15 years, also finds deep fulfillment in pet therapy. She remembers how happy the elderly residents were when therapy dogs visited. The joy on their faces was “priceless.” Betty Rae does more than therapy. She fosters cats and kittens. She ensures that they receive medical care and a loving home until someone adopts them.
Fostering: Providing a Lifeline for Animals
Fostering is one of the most impactful ways to support AWA’s mission. Fosters help by opening their homes to animals in need. This eases overcrowding at shelters. It gives pets a safe, loving place to heal after medical care, wait for adoption, or get special attention. Volunteers like Betty Rae help animals in need. They foster pets, give medications, and provide companionship. This support can make a big difference for animals that may struggle in a shelter.
Education and Youth Programs
AWA shows its commitment to humane education through various youth programs. These programs teach kids about the importance of animal welfare. Volunteers such as Patt Osborne share their teaching skills with AWA. They show toddlers and young students why kindness matters. They also teach how to care for pets responsibly. Patt, a retired teacher, now co-teaches Wags and Wiggles classes. She brings kittens to schools and daycare centers. This helps kids learn about shelter operations and how to care for pets.
Personal Stories: The Heart of AWA’s Volunteer Community
Many AWA volunteers have personal reasons for joining. Their stories show a strong passion for animal welfare.
Katherine Bell has connected with AWA since the late 1970s. Back then, the shelter was a small building off a dirt road. Over the years, she and her family have adopted many pets from AWA. She now volunteers, thankful for the joy the shelter has brought to her family.
June Lacatena returned to AWA in 2009. Her decision came from anger over the Philadelphia Eagles signing Michael Vick. Instead of supporting the team, she spent her Sundays volunteering at AWA. This choice gave her 16 years of service and a new sense of purpose.
A dedicated volunteer, Chuck Sansone, found inspiration in AWA's no-kill mission. He loved their hands-on care approach. He thinks volunteering offers positive affirmation in a world that often misses it. “These helpless animals need our help,” he says. “Being a volunteer gives that affirmation, knowing that I am helping.”
The Transformative Power of Volunteering
Volunteering at AWA is not about giving, it’s about growing. Volunteers often find that their work benefits them as much as it does the animals. They learn new skills and connect with others who share their interests. They also enjoy watching a once-frightened animal grow into a confident, adoptable pet. As Nicole Davidson puts it, “I’ve learned so much since I started volunteering—it’s another bonus.”
AWA’s volunteers also play a critical role in community building. Events like Paws & Feet Doggie Fun Day & 5K Run/Walk depend on volunteers to help them run well. These gatherings raise funds and unite pet lovers. They celebrate a shared commitment to animal welfare.
Celebrating National Volunteer Week
Every April, AWA joins organizations across the country in recognizing National Volunteer Week. This special week honors the valuable work of volunteers. They give their time, skills, and energy to make a difference. It's a chance to think about how volunteer work helps AWA. We also want to thank the caring people who support our mission all year long.
How to Get Involved
Becoming a volunteer at AWA is a straightforward process. You can visit AWA’s website to find out about job openings, apply, and join an orientation session. There’s a spot for everyone here. You can socialize animals, help with fundraising, or educate future animal advocates. Flexible scheduling makes it easy to fit in.
AWA thrives thanks to its volunteers. Their dedication and compassion drive the organization’s mission. Volunteers help make the world kinder for animals. They do this by socializing, fostering, educating, or doing therapy work. Each effort counts. Their stories show how giving back can change lives. They highlight the deep connection between people and animals.
If you want to join this great community, AWA is here with open arms and wagging tails. To learn more, visit AWA’s Volunteer Page.
