PAWS Volunteers Work Virtually to Save Homeless Dogs and Cats
Apr 06, 2020
As COVID-19 challenges us to save lives in new and different ways, PAWS volunteers aren't slowing down! In fact, they've taken on the challenge with enthusiasm, creativity, and grace. So many volunteers continue to do the hard work that makes lifesaving possible. Below are just a few of the ways volunteers are supporting homeless animals in this difficult time.
If you're able, please consider making a donation to PAWS Chicago to support this lifesaving work.
Sewers provide masks to protect PAWS staff and volunteers
Some volunteers are using their time at home and their sewing skills to provide PAWS with washable and reusable masks. Staff and volunteers working at our Medical Center and Lincoln Park Adoption Center use masks while caring for our animals, to prevent the spread of infection. While the supply of disposable masks are low and in-demand for healthcare providers, we are so grateful to the volunteers who are using their time and resources to help keep us safe!
Volunteer Transport Team adopts contactless system to deliver necessary supplies
A volunteer Transport Team is doing the important work of delivering necessary supplies to and from our Medical Center, Lincoln Park Adoption Center, and the homes of foster families throughout the city. Since the onset of social distancing, they've adopted contactless systems to keep PAWS staff, volunteers, and the public safe. They've made it possible for foster families to receive necessary medications, for the most vulnerable pet owners to receive pet food through our Mobile Pet Food Pantry, and for PAWS adopters to receive paperwork to complete their adoption process. We can't thank the Transport Team enough!
Adoption Counselors meet with PAWS adopters virtually
In this era of social distancing, even our adoptions are happening remotely. Volunteer adoption counselors are now conducting counseling from home, using digital resources to help adopters prepare to become new pet owners! Their work is a critical step in the adoption process, offering guidance and support to ensure an easy transition. We appreciate how nimble the adoption counselors have been transitioning to this new system!
Volunteers throughout Chicago help place animals with foster families from home
We were awestruck by the incredible response to our call for foster families. The message was clear: people are eager to help during this challenging time. Not only were willing foster families eager to pitch in, but a team of ten dedicated volunteers stepped up to help place animals into foster! With the surge in foster applications, this team worked nearly around the clock to process foster applications from the safety of home. Thank you for helping us place hundreds of animals into loving foster homes!
In addition to volunteers who are helping PAWS find creative new ways of saving lives, there are still many volunteers who are helping to care for animals in our facilities. Some of them have even increased their number of shifts, offering to help nearly every day. From feeding and walking to cleaning dishes and doing laundry, they are making this life-saving work possible.
Vulnerable animals need us now more than ever. But it's not possible without you. If you're able, be a part of this life-saving team and consider making a donation to PAWS Chicago.