Volunteer Programs
PawMatch is always looking for volunteers to help manage the animals' shelter facility or assist at adoption outreach locations. Any level of help is appreciated, whether it's 30 minutes or 3 days. Even kids can help: find out about the Kids' Pup Club. (Keep in mind that all volunteers are expected to follow the PawMatch rules of conduct.) Here are some ways you can get involved:
Adoption Advocates
Adoption Advocates are volunteers who provide assistance and support to the PawMatch adoption staff at adoption outreach locations. These volunteers are responsible for assisting the customers with the completion of adoption applications and helping counsel customers on responsible pet ownership. Adoption Advocate volunteers must have exemplary customer service skills and must be at least 18 years of age. Complete a volunteer form.
Foster Care Program
Become a foster parent by taking kittens, puppies, or other special needs animals into your home and caring for them until they are ready for adoption. To be a foster parent, you must be at least 18 years of age and be able to provide food and shelter for the foster animals. Fill out a foster application.
Here is how the foster program works:
- PawMatch receives an animal that cannot be immediately placed for adoption. Our clinic staff evaluates each animal to determine individual care requirements.
- Foster homes are called. The first willing foster parent will be given a time to come pick up the animal(s), along with all available information and supplies. Additional supplies (such as prescriptions and food) are the foster parent's responsibility.
- The animal(s) go to the foster home until they are ready for adoption. Foster parents may need to bring the animals back to the PawMatch facility periodically for checkups.
- The animal(s) are returned to PawMatch and placed for adoption.
Humane Education Program
PawMatch has a program called Fixin' for Food designed to encourage low-income folks to spay/neuter their pets. We currently go to Montopolis every two weeks and give free dog food to low-income pet owners who get their canines spayed or neutered. This program not only helps feed the animals, but also helps to reduce overpopulation and breeding in the community. We're hoping to expand this program in the near future. If you wish to help, please donate dog or cat food at any of our Key Adoption Locations.