Paws for Claws Mentor Program

Are you in between the ages of 16-18 years?
Do you have an interest in the well-being of animals?
Do you like working with younger teens who share similar interests?

If you answered 'yes' to the questions above, the Paws & Claws Mentor Program may be for you!

The Paws & Claws Club is designed to allow young teenagers to volunteer their time and love to the many homeless animals at the Humane Society of Indianapolis.
Being a part of this club will hopefully teach young people what an important role H.S.I. plays in our community. It will also give teens a bonding experience with animals that need love and attention and a bond with other teenagers who have similar interest in animal welfare. Club members are a tremendous help to our shelter animals and staff. Club members help with a lot of our daily tasks and put a little excitement in the lives of the homeless animals we shelter.
We hope this program gives club members knowledge on the pet over-population issue in our community and pushes them to help guide our community to a solution.

We are looking for Mentors to help guide the club members. That is where you come in.

What are the goals of the Paws & Claws Club?

  • To give young teenagers the opportunity to help companion animals in their community by volunteering their time and assisting the staff at the Humane Society of Indianapolis.

  • To nurture a sense of compassion and respect for living beings through enriching activities and hands-on experiences that are rewarding for kids and animals alike!

Who is the Paws & Claws Mentor Program for?

  • Teens who are 16-18 years of age

  • Teens who are dependable. reliable, and responsible

  • Teens who have good communication skills

  • Teens who are willing to take on a variety of tasks and have an enthusiasm for working with people and animals

Membership Fees:

There is a $30.00 membership fee due at the Paws & Claws Mentor Program Orientation (date for this will be sent out after Application Acceptance).
This fee covers:

  • one- year membership in the club

  • two Paws & Claws Club t-shirts

  • in-shelter training

  • four-week summer session of volunteering (mandatory)

  • year-round volunteering opportunities (optional) (Saturdays, Holidays, and Fundraising Events)

  • recording of volunteering hours

  • program supplies

How to Become a Member of the Paws & Claws Mentor Program:

Fill out an application.
Applications will be made available for pick up or downloading off of our website Friday February 15th, 2008.

Click Here for an application.

Turn in application along with letter of recommendation to:
Humane Society of Indianapolis
Attn. Shawna Sims
7929 North Michigan Road
Indianapolis IN 46268

Fax: 317-876-2428

Applications are due by 5:00pm on Friday March 28th, 2008.

Attend Orientation (Mandatory for Paws & Claws Program Mentors. Dates will be given upon Application Acceptance.)

Attend in-shelter training. Dates will be given upon Application Acceptance.

Paws & Claws Mentor Duties:

  • Manage day to day schedules of Paws & Claws Club Members.

  • Manage set up and break down of activities

  • Track all of Paws & Claws activities

  • Plan and organize 2008 Paws & Claws Club year end fundraiser

  • Staff Assistants

  • Special Projects 

  • Year Round Volunteering Opportunities Available (Saturdays and Holidays)

  • Assist w/ Mutt Strut - Fundraiser

  • Assist w/ Camp Rover Romp - Fundraiser

If you have any questions please contact:

Shawna Sims
317-872-5650 extension 173
ssims@indyhumane.org