PAWS Atlanta Volunteer Guide: How to Help Homeless Pets in DeKalb & Metro Atlanta

If you’re searching for “PAWS Atlanta volunteer” and you live in or around Atlanta, you’re likely looking for a way to directly help local dogs and cats in need. PAWS Atlanta is one of the area’s best-known no-kill animal shelters, and volunteers are a big part of how it operates day to day.

This guide walks you through how volunteering at PAWS Atlanta works, what to expect, and how to get started if you live in the Atlanta area.

What Is PAWS Atlanta?

PAWS Atlanta is a no-kill, nonprofit animal shelter serving the metro area from its main campus in DeKalb County:

• Location: Often listed as being in/near Decatur / Stone Mountain area, east of downtown Atlanta
• Focus: Rescuing, caring for, and adopting out homeless dogs and cats
• Services typically include:
  • Dog and cat adoptions
  • Foster program
  • Basic veterinary and wellness services for shelter animals
  • Community outreach and education
  • Volunteer and group service opportunities

For many Atlantans, PAWS Atlanta is a go-to place to adopt a pet or volunteer with animals in a structured, reputable environment.

Types of Volunteer Opportunities at PAWS Atlanta

Most PAWS Atlanta volunteer roles fall into a few broad categories. Not every role is available all the time, but these are commonly offered options.

1. On-Site Animal Care & Enrichment

If you want hands-on time with dogs and cats, this is often the main draw.

Typical activities include:

• Dog walking and exercise
• Cat socialization (petting, brushing, playtime)
• Cleaning kennels, litter boxes, and common areas
• Restocking food, litter, and supplies
• Helping with laundry, dishes, and basic upkeep

These tasks help animals stay healthy, socialized, and adoptable while they wait for permanent homes.

2. Adoption & Front Desk Support

For people who are comfortable talking with the public:

• Greeting visitors and potential adopters
• Answering basic questions about adoption procedures
• Helping with paperwork and forms
• Directing visitors around the campus

This role is ideal if you want to help animals indirectly by supporting the adoption process.

3. Events & Fundraising Support

PAWS Atlanta participates in and hosts events around metro Atlanta, such as:

• Adoption events at Atlanta-area pet stores or community spaces
• Fundraising events, walks, or social gatherings
• Community outreach days

Volunteers might:

• Transport animals (if approved and using personal vehicles)
• Set up and break down event booths
• Talk to the public about PAWS Atlanta
• Help manage crowds and keep animals comfortable

4. Specialized Skills (Admin, Media, Trades)

If you have professional or technical skills, PAWS Atlanta may sometimes seek:

• Photography and videography of adoptable animals
• Graphic design, social media, or writing support
• Light maintenance or repairs on-site
• Administrative help with data entry or office projects

These roles help the shelter operate more smoothly and can often be more flexible in schedule.

5. Group and Corporate Volunteering

Many Atlanta companies, schools, and civic groups volunteer together at PAWS Atlanta as a team-building or service activity.

Group visits might involve:

• Landscaping or outdoor clean-up
• Painting or facility improvement projects
• Organizing supplies and donations
• Limited animal interaction, depending on staff availability

If you’re organizing a corporate volunteer day, PAWS Atlanta is a popular choice because it’s easy to reach from I-285 and I-20 and has clear projects for groups.

Who Can Volunteer? Age, Requirements, and Expectations

Each shelter sets its own rules, but there are common patterns for PAWS Atlanta-style volunteer programs in the city.

Age Requirements

At PAWS Atlanta, volunteer opportunities are generally geared toward older teens and adults:

• Adults (18+) – Eligible for most individual volunteer roles
• Teens – May be able to volunteer with a parent/guardian or through special youth or school programs, if available
• Younger children – Usually not allowed in regular on-site volunteer shifts for safety reasons, but may participate in fundraisers or supply drives off-site

Always check current age policies before planning a family visit.

Time Commitment

Most metro Atlanta shelters with formal volunteer programs, including PAWS Atlanta, usually ask for:

• Attendance at an orientation or training
• A regular volunteer commitment (for example, a certain number of hours per month or a set shift each week)
• Reliability and communication if you need to miss a shift

This helps the staff plan daily animal care and be sure that volunteers understand safety and handling rules.

Basic Requirements

Volunteers can typically expect to:

• Sign a waiver and volunteer agreement
• Follow safety guidelines around animals
• Wear closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate clothing that can get dirty
• Be able to stand, walk, and lift light items for some roles

Some roles (like animal transport or certain outreach tasks) may require:

• A valid driver’s license
• Reliable transportation
• Additional training or approval

How to Become a PAWS Atlanta Volunteer

Here’s how the process usually works for people in the Atlanta area.

Step 1: Review Current Volunteer Info

PAWS Atlanta regularly updates its requirements and open roles. Before you show up, check their:

• Current volunteer openings
• Orientation schedule
• Age requirements
• Group vs. individual options

Looking ahead can prevent a wasted trip or disappointment if certain programs are full.

Step 2: Complete the Volunteer Application

Most shelters in Atlanta, including PAWS Atlanta, use an online volunteer application. You’ll usually provide:

• Contact information
• Availability (days and times)
• Skills and interests (animals, events, admin, etc.)
• Any relevant experience

Some programs also include a small administrative fee for training or a volunteer t-shirt, though this can vary.

Step 3: Attend an Orientation or Training Session

Before you start, expect to:

• Attend an orientation at the shelter campus
• Learn the shelter’s policies and procedures
• Tour the facility and see where volunteers are needed most
• Get basic instruction on animal handling and safety

After orientation, some volunteers are cleared to start, while others may need role-specific training (such as adoption counseling or event leadership).

Step 4: Sign Up for Shifts

Once you’re approved, you’ll usually get access to:

• An online scheduling system
• Available shifts by day, time, and role

Common shift times reflect the shelter’s open hours and animal care schedules, often including mornings, afternoons, and sometimes weekends.

What It’s Like to Volunteer at PAWS Atlanta

For Atlantans, the experience often includes:

Daily Environment

• A busy, active shelter setting, especially on weekends
• A mix of staff, long-term volunteers, and new volunteers
• Occasional noise and mess (barking dogs, cleaning, feeding times)
• Emotional ups and downs, from happy adoptions to challenging rescue situations

Typical Tasks During a Shift

Many volunteers:

• Start with cleaning and set-up (fresh water, food, clean bedding)
• Move into dog walking or cat socialization
• Finish with tidying up and restocking areas

Others stay mainly at the front desk or adoption areas, especially if they prefer less physical work or direct animal handling.

Benefits for Local Volunteers

People in Atlanta often choose PAWS Atlanta because:

• It’s no-kill, which aligns with many volunteers’ values
• It’s relatively central to Decatur, East Atlanta, Tucker, and Stone Mountain
• It offers consistent opportunities for animal interaction
• It’s a way to build connections with other animal lovers in the metro area

Ways to Help PAWS Atlanta If You Can’t Volunteer On-Site

If your schedule or situation doesn’t fit the on-site volunteer program, there are still ways to support PAWS Atlanta from anywhere in the Atlanta region.

1. Fostering Pets

Many Atlanta residents help by fostering dogs or cats in their homes. This:

• Opens up space at the shelter
• Helps animals adjust to living in a home environment
• Often makes pets more adoptable

Fostering usually involves:

• A foster application
• A home check or conversation with staff
• Specific instructions about medical care, food, and adoption events

2. Donating Supplies

Shelters around Atlanta often maintain a wish list of high-need items, such as:

• Dog and cat food
• Litter and cleaning supplies
• Blankets, towels, and beds
• Toys and enrichment items

Local residents sometimes organize neighborhood drives, school collections, or office donation boxes to support PAWS Atlanta.

3. Supporting Fundraisers and Events

If you live in or visit Atlanta, you can watch for:

• Local fundraising events hosted by or benefiting PAWS Atlanta
• Charity walks, fun runs, or festivals where the shelter participates
• Restaurant or business “give-back” nights that donate a portion of proceeds

Attending or spreading the word can be just as valuable as volunteering in person.

Quick Reference: PAWS Atlanta Volunteer Basics

Use this summary as a simple checklist before you get started.

Tips for Atlanta Residents Considering PAWS Atlanta Volunteering

• Plan your commute: The shelter is east of downtown; traffic along I-285, I-20, and Memorial Drive can be heavy during rush hours.
• Choose realistic times: Weekend shifts are popular, but weekday mornings or afternoons may have more open spots.
• Start flexible: Let the volunteer coordinator know you’re open to different tasks so they can place you where help is needed most.
• Be patient with the process: Orientation dates and application review can take time, especially after major holidays or during busy adoption seasons.

If you live in the Atlanta area and want to make a real difference for local animals, volunteering with PAWS Atlanta is a direct way to help—whether you’re walking dogs, comforting shy cats, or supporting the shelter behind the scenes.