Opportunities From: City of Fort Worth Volunteer Programs

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

P.A.W.S. for Patriots (P4P) Fostering:
The P4P Fostering Program offers veterans and active service members a unique opportunity to provide short-term or long-term care for shelter dogs while continuing their training at home. This program allows you to build a bond with a dog in need, help prepare them for adoption, and provide them with structure, stability, and socialization outside of the shelter. Whether you’re fostering for a weekend, a few weeks, or longer, you’ll play a crucial role in helping a dog transition into their forever home.

Ruck & Roll Program:
Looking for a flexible way to get involved? Our Ruck & Roll Program allows you to take a shelter dog out for the day or host them overnight. Whether it’s a hike, a coffee shop visit, or a relaxing evening at home, this program helps dogs experience life outside the shelter, giving them valuable socialization and a break from kennel life. It’s a great way to give back while enjoying the companionship of a dog in need.

Both programs provide veterans and service members with a meaningful way to connect with shelter pets, build routines, and engage with the community—one paw at a time.