Bianca Summerville

“For me, PAWS Chicago and its No Kill mission represents the one thing we all deserve—a chance,” says volunteer Bianca Summerville.

Bianca Summerville didn’t grow up around cats and she knew very little about feline body language or behavior when she started volunteering at PAWS Chicago three years ago. Today, she’s a bona fide expert.  

“You don’t need to be an animal expert to volunteer at PAWS. You can learn everything you need to know on the job. I did!” says Bianca.  

Initially, Bianca joined PAWS in search of a community. She explains, “I had just moved to Chicago from the East Coast and didn’t really know anyone. I’ve always been an animal person, and PAWS was close to my apartment, so it was a natural fit. Some of the first friends I made in the city were people I met volunteering at PAWS at 2 p.m. every Saturday.”  

Bianca spends most of her volunteer hours working with cats and new volunteers. “I am a Kitty City volunteer at the Adoption Center and a member of our Post-Adopt Feline Support team. I am also a Kitty City First Shift Mentor and a Virtual New Volunteer Orientation Host,” says Bianca. 

While her favorite role changes frequently, Bianca says, “Right now, I’m really enjoying my work with the Post-Adopt Feline Support Team. I love teaching owners how to ‘speak cat’ and help ensure their pets lead long and healthy lives.”  

Bianca is especially proud to work with an organization committed to saving even the neediest pets.  

“As a PAWS pet, you’ll always be given that second chance, whether you’re super ill and need intervention at our Medical Center or you have a behavioral challenge that means you need a bit of compassion and some different handling methods. I have personally worked with so many animals that have had wonderful, successful adoptions from PAWS who probably wouldn’t have even been afforded a second chance at another shelter, which really energizes me to continue the work,” says Bianca.  

Outside of PAWS, Bianca enjoys knitting (including cat toys) and hanging out with her 11-year-old cat named Georgie. Originally from the Finger Lakes region of New York, she also loves going back home to visit and see the waterfalls. But she keeps coming back to PAWS.  

“You will get back what you put in, in spades. The work can be hard sometimes, but it’s always worth it when you send an animal home and see how happy and excited their new family is to have them,” says Bianca.