Thank you for your interest in bringing a group to PAWS for a volunteer project. Individuals from local businesses, community organizations, youth groups and schools who donate their time and energy to PAWS are able to complete tasks and projects that are extremely helpful to our organization. We usually enlist these groups to help with grounds maintenance tasks such as weeding, painting, helping with small building projects or spreading bark on our dog walking or wildlife interpretive trails. Other times we may have clerical or organizational work such as stuffing packets or sorting animal toys and food.

None of these projects, however, include direct contact with the animals in our care. Volunteers who help us with animal care responsibilities go through extensive training and make a weekly commitment to a volunteer job. If you are interested in helping in this way, you can visit the volunteer opportunities page to read about the variety of volunteer positions available and complete an online application. You can also call 425.787.2500 x838 to request a packet be mailed to you. Please note that you must be at least 18 years old to volunteer in one of these positions.

If your group is interested in helping to form a PAWS work party, the following are some guidelines:

• Your group should consist of at least five people.
• Any children in the group should be at least 10 years old. (Please give advance notice if there will be any one under 18 coming to help.)
• Any youth or student group should have at least a one adult per three children to help with supervision and organization. (If they are teenagers, then a five to one ratio may be acceptable.) An adult should make the arrangements for a group of children.
• Please commit to volunteering at least three hours to make it worth the time and effort it takes to coordinate a group activity.
• Most, if not all volunteer work is done outside, rain or shine.
• Group volunteer projects can take place Tuesday through Saturday between 9 am and 4 pm.
• Please make arrangements at least two weeks in advance of the date you are requesting. Keep in mind that not all dates will be available.

To arrange for your group to volunteer at PAWS, please e-mail groups@paws.org or call 425.787.2500 x818. Thank you very much for your support and willingness to help. We couldn't do our work without you!