P.A.W.S. Youth Volunteer Program

The San Antonio Humane Society’s (SAHS) P.A.W.S. program – Practicing Animal Welfare through Service, is a service-learning volunteer program designed for high school students ages 16 and 17. Through hands-on experience alongside SAHS staff and volunteers, participants will build valuable skills in leadership, problem-solving, critical thinking, public speaking, and teamwork. This program is an excellent option for students seeking to fulfill community service requirements for programs such as the National Honor Society or The President’s Volunteer Service Award.

P.A.W.S. will take place over the course of the 2025-2026 school year. Student volunteers will participate in eight four-hour sessions consisting of a mix of classroom learning and hands-on volunteering. Student volunteers will also have the opportunity to complete webinars to earn additional volunteer hours from home. Topics covered in the program include enrichment & animal behavior management, veterinary medicine, media, community outreach, and more. Student volunteers will also work on a project throughout the course of the program to be presented during the final group session. Student volunteers who attend all scheduled sessions and complete all assigned webinars will earn a minimum of 40 volunteer hours. Additionally, all student volunteers will have the opportunity to earn more hours throughout the course of the program through onsite volunteer service. Upon successful completion of the P.A.W.S. program, student volunteers will have the opportunity to become members of the general volunteer program if they wish to continue their volunteer service with the SAHS.

The P.A.W.S. program is limited to 20 participants. All interested individuals will be required to complete an application, submit a resume, and provide two letters of recommendation. At least one letter of recommendation must be from an adult that is not related to the applicant i.e. a teacher, coach, professional mentor, or job supervisor. SAHS staff will review all applications. If selected to move forward, the applicant will be invited to the SAHS for a formal interview with a SAHS Outreach Coordinator. After interviewing all selected applicants and making their final decisions, all applicants will be notified of their status via phone or email. There is no application fee, however, a $100 fee will be due upon acceptance into the program. This fee helps offset the cost of the participant’s volunteer insurance, uniform, and supplies required for the program. For any questions, please contact [email protected].