We are not currently looking for new volunteers. Thank you for your interest in our volunteer program.
Positive Animal Wellness Support (PAWS) Pal program)
Animal & Bylaw Services encourages qualified individuals to volunteer to help socialize our adoptable cats and dogs. In addition to being experienced and confident in working with animals, candidates must be mature, dependable and conscientious of safety procedures. Please view the volunteer program video for more information.
Purpose/Duties:
- To provide positive interaction with cats and/or dogs awaiting adoption.
- To provide opportunities for play and exercise for cats and/or dogs.
- To facilitate basic obedience training for dogs.
- To promote physical and psychological well-being for cats and dogs awaiting adoption.
Qualifications, A PAWS Pal must:
- Be at least 18 years.
- Have significant experience in handling cats and/or dogs.
- Be physically able to handle animals.
- Successfully complete screening and orientation/training prior to beginning assignment.
- Be friendly and outgoing.
- Value reward-based approach to dog training.
- Take direction well, work well with minimal supervision and show initiative.
- Possess good verbal and written communication skills.
- Uphold and implement Animal & Bylaw Services' policies and procedures (including confidentiality).
- Promote the positive public image of Animal & Bylaw Services.
Training:
- Three-hour orientation
- Training shifts prior to start of placement
- Ongoing training/special interest seminars, etc.
Time Commitment
Volunteers are required to commit to a minimum of four hours per month for a minimum term of one year. Drop-ins are not permitted. Shifts must be scheduled for a minimum of one and a half hour blocks. Available shifts are:
- Monday to Friday between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Benefits
PAWS Pal volunteers have the opportunity for one-on-one interaction with the cats and dogs awaiting adoption at the Animal Services Centre. The benefit is mutual: the volunteer receives learning opportunities, contributes to the wellbeing of the cats and dogs, and has fun doing it. In turn, the cats and dogs will be less stressed, better socialized and more adoptable.
Portrait of a PAWS Pal Volunteer
PAWS Pal volunteers play a major role ensuring a successful adoption for the cats and dogs at the City of Calgary Animal Services Centre. They offer Positive Animal Wellness Support to animals awaiting adoption. The support offered takes many forms such as opportunities for play and exercise and basic obedience training.
PAWS PAL Volunteer REBECKA reaches milestone of 300 HOURS!
“Animals have always interested me.” reflects Rebecka, “I adopted my beloved feline Sierra from the Calgary SPCA twelve years ago. She enriches my life and adds to my emotional well-being.”
Rebecka volunteers at the Animal Services Centre an average of 6 hours per week, a summit amongst the 20 or so PAW Pals men and women volunteering at the Animal Services Centre. For Rebecka, “Being a volunteer at Animal Services gives me the opportunity to contribute something positive for animal welfare.” She feels that society has fallen short as stewards of domestic animals. By spending time at Animal Services, she gets to help individual cats and help to enrich their lives. She also gets to be part of the process of them receiving new forever homes. “It’s a beautiful thing,” says Rebecka.
Volunteer Application
Please print the 
Volunteer Application Form and fax to the care of Dianne Lyle at 403-268-4927 or email at dianne.lyle@calgary.ca.
For more information, please contact Dianne Lyle at 403-268-3417 or email at dianne.lyle@calgary.ca.
