P.A.W.S. for Patriots Volunteer Program
Serve. Connect. Heal.
Empowering Veterans and Active Service Members through Animal Welfare
The P.A.W.S. for Patriots Volunteer Program offers Veterans and Active Duty Military Members a unique opportunity to give back to their community while forming meaningful connections with shelter animals. Through hands-on engagement, participants help prepare pets for adoption, provide structure and companionship, and become a vital part of each animal’s journey toward a second chance.
Why Join?
Serve with Purpose: Continue your mission of service by helping shelter pets thrive through daily care, enrichment, and training.
Connect with Community: Join a team that values camaraderie, discipline, and shared goals.
Heal Through Compassion: Experience the emotional and therapeutic benefits of working with animals in need—whether you’re walking a dog or calming a nervous cat.
Types of Volunteer Opportunities Available (but not limited to):
P.A.W.S. Academy
Train and socialize a shelter dog assigned to you. You'll guide them through basic obedience, confidence-building, and behavior shaping to prepare them for adoption.
Dog Walker
Provide daily walks and reinforce manners that make dogs more adoptable while offering much-needed physical and mental stimulation.
Dog Caretaker
Support kennel operations through cleaning, enrichment, and adopter interaction. Morning shifts focus on daily care routines; PM shifts focus on mental stimulation and public engagement.
Cat Caretaker
Help create a calm, clean, and comforting environment for cats awaiting adoption. Tasks may include cleaning enclosures, providing enrichment toys, gentle socialization, and observing behavior to support adoption success.
Outbound Assistant
Support the transition of pets into foster, rescue, or adoptive homes. Help with behavior notes, kennel retrievals, photos, supply prep, and promoting our most at-risk pets.
What You Gain
A powerful way to serve your community
New skills in animal care and behavior
A structured, supportive volunteer environment
Therapeutic and emotional benefits of animal companionship
Recognition through Letters of Appreciation
What the Animals Gain
Enrichment and Exercise that reduce stress and boredom
Trust and Confidence through consistent, compassionate handling
Training that improves their chances of adoption
Socialization with new people, settings, and routines
A Calm, Predictable Environment that helps them feel safe and seen
Advocates who share their stories, helping them find loving homes faster
The Impact You Have on the Animal
When you volunteer with P.A.W.S. for Patriots, you’re not just helping a pet—you’re changing the course of their life.
You become the first person to believe in them after they’ve been abandoned, neglected, or misunderstood.
You help a fearful animal take their first step toward trust.
You give structure to the chaotic and calm to the anxious.
You teach them that hands can be gentle, voices can be kind, and that they are worth waiting for.
You are not just part of their day—you’re part of their journey.
Who Can Apply?
This program is specifically for:
U.S. Military Veterans
Active Duty Service Members
Reservists and National Guard
No prior animal experience is required—just a commitment to consistency, teamwork, and compassion.
Once your application is submitted you will receive an email with onboarding instructions from the FWACC Volunteer Coordinators.
Questions? Reach out to us anytime at
fwaccvolunteers@fortworthtexas.gov
