On-Site & Outreach Volunteering

Rutherford County Pet Adoption & Welfare Services (PAWS) partners with the community to ensure a safe, healthy, and caring environment for both citizens and animals through education, adoption, and effective enforcement of Tennessee’s animal-related laws. 

Through the efforts of dedicated volunteers and staff, we continue our mission of innovation and care for the community. 

[PAWS is a department of Rutherford County Government. It is not an official ‘not for profit’ or 501(c)(3), but all donations to PAWS are tax deductible and go directly towards the animals of the shelter.] 

The term “no-kill” is both a goal and philosophy, rather than a label. By definition, it refers to a shelter or rescue that saves every dog or cat who can be saved, with at least a 90% save-rate. Rutherford County PAWS has achieved this benchmark and has not euthanized for space since April 2017. However, in alignment with the no-kill philosophy, PAWS recognizes that euthanasia may be a compassionate and necessary choice in certain severe cases. 

What exactly is euthanasia?  

Eu.tha.na.si.a 
1. an easy painless death 
2. act or method of causing death painlessly, so as to end suffering. 

It is the belief of Rutherford County PAWS that euthanasia is not a desirable solution to our community’s pet overpopulation crisis. Rather, we strive to provide humane education, affordable community services, and a variety of other programs to address the problems that necessitate the death of homeless and unwanted animals. 

When does PAWS euthanize? 

As a public safety agency for Rutherford County, PAWS believes that animals who clearly pose a potential hazard to other animals or humans due to disease or severe aggression should be euthanized. Additionally, animals that develop aggressive behaviors or experience severe psychological distress during a prolonged stay in the shelter should also be considered for euthanasia. Rutherford County PAWS is committed to providing humane treatment to all animals in our care by thoroughly evaluating the quality of life of each animal. 

PAWS’ volunteer program has 3 specialties for volunteers to choose from, and 4 levels to achieve based on experience. The specialties are Admin & Outreach, Animal Care, and Shelter Care & Enrichment. They all offer a variety of areas to support our shelter. Volunteers can have ANY amount of specialties. 

The experience levels are green, yellow, red, and purple. Each specialty has a required amount of hours to complete before leveling up. 

Our Animal Care specialty includes Dog Walking and Cat Care & Socialization. Animal Care volunteers can choose to do one or both!  

This specialty is great for those that enjoy being hands-on with the animals and providing them with much-needed exercise, love, and attention. 

Volunteers under 18 are welcome but must have a parent or legal guardian complete the application and accompany them while volunteering. It is advised that volunteer minors are at least 12 years of age.  

Minor volunteers are permitted to do any assignments with certain restrictions on Animal Care. Minors are not permitted to walk or do main handling of dogs. Parents/legal guardians may be restricted from walking some dogs due to their size, behavior, energy level, etc. 

Before filling out the application below, please take note of the following: 

Please be prepared to upload a photo of the front of your current, non-expired driver’s license or other state issued ID. No ID is required for participants under the age of 18. 

One application must be completed per adult participant. 

Please ensure your email on the application is properly typed/valid, as most communication is sent through email. 

*Note: The application unfortunately cannot be saved – please ensure enough time to complete the application in one sitting (approx. 10-20 minutes). 

If you experience any issues with the online form or have any questions, please contact the shelter at 615-898-7740 or email [email protected]. Thank you!