Paws & Stripes

Are you a past or present member of the U.S. military with a passion for working with dogs and cats? Our Paws & Stripes program wants YOU.

Paws & Stripes

Paws & Stripes is a unique volunteer opportunity for active duty service members and military veterans to enhance the well-being of animals in need while enjoying the therapeutic benefits of working with shelter animals.

Paws & Stripes participants primarily facilitate care and enrichment to shelter dogs by providing daily walks, basic behavior training, and organizing playgroups in which dogs are given the opportunity to play and socialize with other dogs at JHS.

Studies, such as a 2014 study by Kaiser Permanente, show that dogs can significantly reduce the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression in veterans. The Paws & Stripes program seeks to form a mutually beneficial relationship between shelter animals in need of comfort and compassion, and military veterans in search of an outlet for their sense of selfless service while at the same time receiving the overwhelming gratitude of a special animal in need.

Paws & Stripes Academy

The Jacksonville Humane Society’s Paws & Stripes Academy is a FREE job skills training program in the Animal Care and Enrichment industry exclusively for military veterans and spouses.

This 4-week training program is designed to provide real-world knowledge and experience that can be applied to a number of jobs in a growing career field. Participants are paid an hourly wage during training and receive classroom instruction from experienced animal care professionals as well as hands-on skills training in an animal shelter environment.

JHS also provides participants with job skills coaching for the fields of animal welfare and veterinary medicine, along with potential employment within our organization. Those who finish the academy will receive certification to help with job placement, along with the opportunity to network and interview for open positions at JHS or with our many partners including the City of Jacksonville’s Animal Care & Protective Services, First Coast No More Homeless Pets, K9s for Warriors, Pet Paradise, VCA Animal Hospitals, and others.

2023 class dates:

Spring Semester – March 7 – March 31

Fall Semester – October 3 – October 27

Classes and training take place Tuesday through Friday from 9am to 3:30pm each day, with a 30 minute lunch break each day.

If you would like to receive more information about this program and find out how to join, please join our Paws & Stripes Academy Interest List. Once we receive your information, our team will reach out!

Questions? Email [email protected] or call 904-493-4583.

Just need a few volunteer hours?

Thank you for your interest in our short-term volunteer opportunities for military personnel here at JHS.

Currently, we are offering the following opportunities for volunteers interested in supporting the JHS volunteer program while accumulating volunteer hours: