Great Nonprofits

I love volunteering for PAWS. I have been a volunteer for about 2 months - working the food bank interacting with the appreciative clients, taking Layla for her weekly walk all around Fisherman's Warf, interacting with the dedicated staff - everything about PAWS is rewarding.

I have been a PAWS volunteer for over four years and cannot think of a better place to give my time and energy! The staff is phenonmenal in both their dedication to the cause and their appreciation of the volunteers. While I have volunteered in various capacities, I get the greatest reward in transporting clients and their pets to their veterinarian visits. Because of my background, I can act as a liaison between the medical professionals and the guardians who may have trouble communicating their questions and concerns. It pleases me to no end knowing that the owners understand their pets' conditions and that the animals are getting the best, most comprehensive care available. Whether driving home after boxing food bank deliveries or going back to work after a vet visit, I ALWAYS leave knowing that some very fortunate animals (and their guardians) are happier (....o.k.....so maybe it is ME who is happier. But I have an inkling that some purring and wagging are going on somewhere....)

I have been volunteering with PAWS for over 5 years and have had the opportunity to meet wonderful new friends and interact in the community in a way no other organization offers. I walked a client's dog for about two years and bonded with him and his dog over that period of time. It's such a wonderful way to participate in my community and it's also a lot of fun!

I was introduced to PAWS about 10 years ago when I adopted a cat named Isis. About 3 years ago, I came to a point where my doctor said to me "Your getting a dog and I'm not taking no for an answer". PAWS is a godsend because of all the services they offer. I can afford all the food, treats, special items and other goodies that help to keep my Dusty spoiled. What I can't afford on a limited income is the cost of vet care. Thanks to PAWS, I don't have to worry. The Well Clinic visit is his annual check up. This includes any booster shots he might need and of course, the rabbi's vaccine. In addition, each pet is allowed an ammount that covers emergencies or elctive procedures such as dental, kenal cough or any other illness that might occur. A good example being Dusty came down with a case of giardia...a parasitic infection that causes discomfort and gastrointestinal problems. Thanks to this extra ammount, I was able to have Dusty seen and treated. Since that...he's been fine. They also provide flee treatment which is given once a month. PAWS is also a great place to stop by and say hello to the office pets and people for a general check in and hello.

I was introduced to PAWS through a friend and have been grateful to her ever since. This organization is run by a wonderful, and remarkably organized, team. There are a variety of ways an individual can contribute. While they always need financial donations, this is a great organization to give some time to. I walk a terrific dog for an hour each week. It is great exercise and creates an impact in people’s lives that I can see immediately. I also provide labor for various fundraising and community events. I’ve bartended, taken tickets, collected money…you name it, I’ve done it. People are always happy to support PAWS and the mgmt of the organization is full of gratitude, so you always walk away from your volunteer time feeling great and wanting to do more.