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  5. Briana Allen

Briana Allen


Meet Briana! Briana has spent the last two years helping PAWS cats in a variety of ways. She started off socializing our Medical Center cats, then dipped her feet in Kitty City at our Lincoln Park Adoption Center. From there, Briana graduated to Level 2 Cats and took on screening behavior cat applications, finding fitting homes for PAWS cats that have specific needs! On top of all these wonderful accomplishments, Briana help as a team lead with our Jackson Galaxy Cat PAWSitive Pro Training Program as well. In this program Briana helps introduce advanced, positive-reinforcement-based behavior training and enrichment to shelter cats! Our cats are very thankful to have Briana aboard, and so are we!


1.      How long have you been a volunteer at PAWS Chicago and what made you decide to volunteer?

I first learned of PAWS when a friend convinced me to be a TEAM PAWS runner in 2015, but a demanding work schedule made volunteering challenging. I began volunteering at the Medical Center in April of 2019. As an animal lover, advocate of TNR and no-kill philosophies, and promoter of adopting shelter pets, I wanted to support the PAWS mission and programs. Beyond the mission, I couldn't think of a better way to spend my time giving back than caring for cats and dogs! 

2.      Which PAWS program(s) do you volunteer with? What’s your favorite way you help PAWS and why?

Primarily, I volunteer as a Level 2 cat care volunteer at the Medical Center and LPAC. I've also had the opportunity to support TEAM PAWS at the Chicago Marathon, participate in intakes, and, during COVID, have assisted the Application Screening team. Most recently, I was a member of the Jackson Galaxy Cat PAWSitive Pro behavioral training team and am helping to expand that program to more volunteers at LPAC.  

My favorite way of helping at PAWS is socializing with the cats at the Medical Center. The Medical Center is every animal's first stop at PAWS and I want to ensure the cats have as many positive experiences as possible while there. My second favorite is the behavioral training at LPAC. Through the program I've seen the positive impacts behavioral training can have on the mental and physical health and well-being of shelter cats. It's such a rewarding experience to work with a cat toward a goal and see them achieve not only the goal, but be eager for human interaction!

3.      What’s special about the PAWS No Kill mission to you/what inspires you to have a heart for animal welfare?

Cats and dogs are domesticated animals and it's our responsibility to care for them. Advocating for life, educating others, and advocating on the animal's behalf to ensure they have the best life possible are what motivates me to volunteer. PAWS is leading the way in Chicago to educate people and offer services to ensure just that. As a life-long animal caregiver, I am inspired by the community engagement and outreach PAWS does to achieve the no-kill mission.

4.      What’s your favorite story about your time at PAWS and why? If a single story doesn’t stand out, which PAWS experience means the most to you and why?

My most memorable, emotional, and meaningful experience occurred just months after I started volunteering. I had the opportunity to assist the intake team during Clear the Shelters week. At CACC I helped evaluate and transport cats selected to become PAWS pets, bringing them to the Medical Center to begin their journey. After the cats and dogs were brought to PAWS I volunteered socializing with the cats we brought in. One particular black and white female caught my attention and received extra cuddles. A few days later at LPAC I was able to play and snuggle with her. The following week, I happened to be at LPAC when she was adopted! It was such an emotional experience to follow one cat's journey from being at risk to finding her forever home. 

5.      What are three things you would tell someone who’s interested in becoming a PAWS volunteer?”

There are so many ways to help PAWS achieve their no-kill mission and you will gain so much in return. 

  • Whether you're interested in caring for the cats and dogs, working with the community, driving a transport, or assisting with other projects, there's a volunteer role for everyone, even families!
  • You will learn so much about cats and dogs that will help you be a better pet parent! You might even find a new furry family member!
  • Don't think you won't have the time to volunteer. A few hours a month literally saves lives, is a great stress reliever, and is a great way to get in some cat/dog time if you can't currently have a pet!