The Animal Welfare Society, Inc. is a unique haven for abandoned animals largely
because of the kindness and devotion of our numerous volunteers and financial supporters.
As the demand for space in our shelter rises so does our need for caring individuals.
There are many areas available for volunteers and many ways to assist the shelter. Following is a partial list of opportunities. Please feel free to contact us for more information on any of the opportunities or programs listed here.
Financial Assistance
Pet Sponsors choose the pet they would like to 'sponsor' and make a contribution to help pay for their medical costs and care. In return, they receive a personal thank you letter from their animal, photo, their special pet's biography, and, most of all, the devotion and love of their sponsor pet. Learn more>>
Wish List Donations are always a big help. You can donate less expensive items, like dog bones or cat food, or a larger gift, like a cat tree for our long-term felines or a vacuum cleaner to help us keep the shelter tidy for our residents. Click here for a list of our current needs.
Sponsor a Pet of the Week Ad! Help us spread the word! We feature one of our pets each week in a New Milford Times, Brookfield Journal, and Litchfield County Times ad. Click here for more information on sponsoring a low-cost ad for one of our needy pets.
Purchase From Our Pet Store! Buy everything your cat or dog needs from our in-shelter pet store! If a resident touches your heart, purchase something especially for them! All proceeds go to benefit the animals at our shelter.
Note Card Sets by photographer and AWS volunteer Donna Cloutier, featuring our feline and canine residents, are available at both our in-shelter pet store and online.
Financial Assistance is always welcome and always needed! Your contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. If helpful, click here for a printable donation coupon or donate online through PayPal with your credit or debit card by clicking the 'make a donation' button.
Bequests to the Animal Welfare Society, Inc. as a beneficiary in your Will or Life Insurance policy will aid the organization to rescue more animals in our area. Your bequests are tax deductible for federal estate tax purposes. Please contact your estate planner for more information.
Volunteer Opportunities
Educator - We are looking for a volunteer to visit local schools and Girl Scout troops to educate our young people on proper animal care and responsible pet ownership. No formal teaching experience is necessary - just a love of animals and a desire to help! Please contact us if you are interested in this opportunity.
Dog Walkers fill a canine's days with love, social contact, and exercise by taking the dog out for a stroll.
Cat / Dog Socializers create a loving, healthy environment for our animals as they play with, pet, brush, talk to and give attention to our pets until permanent homes are found. These types of volunteers are especially needed when we take in feral cats who have had little previous contact with humans.
Shelter Helpers are always needed to help with daily chores at our shelter, including grooming, feeding, and cleaning. This is a great opportunity for youngsters to learn the responsibilities required to own and care for a pet!
Special Projects such as fundraisers, tag sales, and special events require a large volunteer base utilizing many different talents. We always welcome assistance planning and running our annual Walkathon or our various tag sales!
Special Skills are always welcome. Contribute your talents such as photography, writing, graphic arts, artwork, public relations, fundraising, event planning, or whatever you are willing to offer.
