Our shelter runs on people like you

Volunteers are the backbone of everything we do — from daily animal care and community clinics to foster outings and at-home support. No experience required. We train you for everything.

How do you want to help?

Pick the category that fits your schedule and comfort level. Every role matters.

Animal Care

Hands-on roles at our shelter. Free training required before your first shift.

Register in the Volunteer Portal.

Training Provided

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Cat Crew

Clean kennels, feed cats, replace litter, & provide fresh bedding.

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Dog Crew

Clean kennels, feed dogs, & assist with daily dog care. Dog Care Training Required.

Medical Support

Assist the shelter vet & medical technicians. A meaningful opportunity for anyone interested in animal health.

Fungus Fighters

Assist with treating cats with fungal infections under direct medical staff supervision.

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Cat Socialization

Spend time with cats to learn their personalities! Notes you write go directly to potential adopters.

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Dog Socialization

Walk & play with dogs to understand their personalities. Your behavioral notes help adopters find the right match.

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Baby Bottle Squad

Bottle-feed orphaned kittens. Extra training required—ask your Coordinator for access to shifts. 

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Laundry & Bowl Washing

Keep animals comfortable with clean towels, blankets, & bowls. Available at both locations. Junior Volunteers welcome.

Events & Community

Recurring monthly events that make a direct difference for community pets & families.

Register in the Volunteer Portal.

Community Vaccine Clinic

Greet families, direct traffic, & vaccinate community pets. Happens every month. Extra training required. 

Spay & Neuter Clinics

Assist vet staff with post-op procedures, tool sanitation, clinic outtake & more.

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Pet Pantry

Drive-through food distribution for families in need. Volunteers help direct traffic, distribute food, & greet families.

Group Volunteer Days

Bring a team, school group, or organization. Contact your Volunteer Coordinator to register your group and set a date.

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Foster & Outreach

Support animals outside the the shelter, in your home, your car, or our in the community. 

Register at pvastx.org/foster

Fostering

Open your home to a pet in need and earn volunteer hours. Hours start the day you pick up your foster. Register at pvastx.org/foster or email foster@pvastx.org.

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Tails Around Town

Take a shelter dog on a field trip for a few hours to a half a day. A real break for the dog, and a fun afternoon for you!
Details ➡

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Rescue Transport

Help with rescue transports, cleaning vans, loading animals & driving. Not available for court-appointed volunteers.

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Pawjama Party

Foster a long-stay shelter dogs for two nights on Fridays or Saturdays. Earn volunteer hours & give a dog a real rest. 
Details ➡

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At-Home & Remote

Make a difference without coming to the shelter. Perfect if your schedule or mobility limits in-person visits.

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Volunteer Donation Program

Collect items from the PVAS wish list & donate them to earn service hours. Ask your Coordinator for the current list and pet-item hour values.

Virtual Fundraising

Run an online fundraiser on behalf of PVAS. Your Coordinator can provide materials & Guidance.

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Social Media Support

Help share adoptable pets, shelter events, & PVAS news to reach more potential adopters & supporters. Does not qualify for actual volunteer hours.

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DIY Crafts & Treats

Make enrichment toys, blankets, or treats for shelter animals at home. Ask your Coordinator for current needs & instructions. 

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Before You Apply

A few things we ask of every volunteer. Once your application is submitted, a Coordinator will follow up within 1-3 business days. 

Submit Your Registration

Complete the volunteer application through the BetterImpact Portal. Your Coordinator will contact you by email once reviewed. 

Complete Animal Care Training

If you'll be handling animals, mandatory Cat &/or Dog Care Training is required. You'll register for training through the portal.

Read our Policies

Click here to get a head start on becoming the best volunteer you can be!

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Meet Age Requirements

Volunteers must be 18+ or meet the youth age requirements listed below. A parent or guardian is required on-site for volunteers under 14.

Prefill the documents

Ready to join the team?

Check your email (and spam folder) after applying —we'll be in touch within 1-3 business days.

¿Listo/a para unirte al equipo?

Por favor revisa el Manual del Voluntario y las Políticas a continuación.

What to Expect

Things to know so you arrive prepared & confident.

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No experience needed. We provide free training for every hands-on role.

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Scheduling

Pick up shifts in advance through the Volunteer Portal. Arrive on times & complete the shifts you sign up for.

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Dress Code

Volunteer t-shirts & badge required at all times —no exceptions. Long pants, closed-toe shoes. No dangling jewelry (it can catch on animals or PPE.)

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Physical Demands

Most animal care roles involve being on your feet, bending, and walking. Some may require lifting animals up to 50lbs.

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Emotional Environment

Shelters can be intense. Animals behave differently here than pets at home.

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Conduct

Volunteers represent PVAS in the community. Good conduct on and off duty is expected. Any abuse towards humans or animals is grounds for immediate termination.

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Substance Policy

Being under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any impairing substance on-site is not tolerated. Zero exceptions.

For Kids & Families

Compassion for animals starts early. Kids can engage through volunteering, reading, & camps at PVAS

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Reading Buddies
Ages 6-13

Drop by the Laurie P. Andrews Center and read aloud to a dog or cat. No registration needed — visit during public hours and ask a staff member.

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C.A.R.E. Camp
Ages 8-13

A week-long day camp built around Compassion, Advocacy, Responsibility,  & Education. Hands-on animal care activities.

Register here ➡

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Birthday Parties

Celebrate at the LPA Center with staff-led activities, a behind-the-scenes tour, and an adoptable pet meet-and-greet.

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Animal Outreach Program

A PVAS representative visits your classroom with a live animal for 45-minute program on empathy and responsible pet ownership.

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Group Field Trips

Behind-the-scenes tour for school groups, scout troops, or home school pods at the LPA Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Do I need experience with animals?

No experience needed. PVAS provides free training for every hands-on role before you start. Dog Care Training, Cat Care Training, and and specialized roles are covered- you'll register through the Volunteer Portal after your account is activated.

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How much time do I need to commit?

There's no required weekly minimum. All shifts are scheduled in advance through the Volunteer Portal — you pick times that work for you. You're expected to complete shifts you sign up for, but you control your own schedule. Monthly events are one-time commitments.

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How much time do I need to commit?

There's no required weekly minimum. All shifts are scheduled in advance through the Volunteer Portal — you pick times that work for you. You're expected to complete shifts you sign up for, but you control your own schedule. Monthly events are one-time commitments.

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What are the age requirements?

• Ages 11–13 (Junior Volunteers): May socialize cats, wash bowls, do laundry, and make enrichment treats. Cannot work in dog kennels or medical roles. Guardian must be present on-site.

• Ages 14–17: Register online; parent or guardian signs a Minor Consent Form sent by email.

• Ages 18+: Eligible for all roles, including transport, Tails Around Town, and Pawjama Party.

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Can I complete court-appointed community service hours at PVAS?

Yes — court-appointed volunteers are welcome and held to the same standards as all volunteers.

• Schedule an appointment with a Coordinator to have your yellow card signed

• Wear your volunteer t-shirt and badge; sign in on the iPad each visit

• Must volunteer on-site — no at-home, transport, or foster outings for hours

• Not eligible for Tails Around Town or Pawjama Party

• PVAS does not offer 2-for-1 hours

• Register Here➡

Hours will not be approved if signed by anyone other than a Volunteer Coordinator

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Can I bring a group to volunteer?

Absolutely — groups are always welcome. Contact your Volunteer Coordinator to register your group and schedule a service date. Groups are great for team building, school projects, and corporate volunteer days.

Register Here ➡

Support the Volunteer Team

A donation of any size helps us care for the animals in our shelter every day.