Volunteer Spotlight: Julia

Julia - A young woman with blue eyes and dark hair sits in an apartment holding a black cat. She’s wearing a pink and yellow headscarf, and a black sweatshirt, which blends in with the cat.You might remember PAWS NY volunteer Julia from the Instagram Live we did a while back. Well get to know her even more with today’s Volunteer Spotlight!

Julia found out about PAWS NY online and started volunteering a few months ago. She’s had many pets over the years, and currently lives with her cat Luna, an ESA. Read Julia’s full Q&A below to learn more about her shifts with PAWS NY and fun hobbies! 


Why are you passionate about PAWS and our mission of helping people by helping pets?

I’ve always grown up with animals. They add so much to your quality of life! My cat Luna, who is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA), is my world. I want to help others keep their loved pets in their lives and thriving. They really are our fur babies!

How long have you been a volunteer with PAWS?

A few months!

What do you do as a PAWS NY volunteer? Which clients & pets do you help? What do you do with the pets during your shift?

I walk Ava Grace once a week. Before that, I walked Sky! (Two dogs in Brooklyn.)

What is your favorite part about volunteering? Do you have any favorite memories?

I love getting to know the owners and seeing how connected they are with their pets. It’s also so much fun to learn about each pet’s quirks and personality traits!

Where are you from? Where in the city do you live now?

Before: Tampa, FL and Now: Brooklyn, NY

What do you do for work? What brought you / keeps you in NYC?

I work in communications! I am also a freelance writer. I always wanted to live in the city, and the amazing opportunities for community keep me here.

What do you like to do in your spare time (besides volunteer with PAWS NY)?

I like to cook, take photos, craft, and explore! For example, I crochet (including a little sweater for my cat), and I love thrifting (and sustainability as a whole). I also spend time connecting with my queer community.

Share 1-3 fun facts about yourself!

  1. I love art — I even have some of my friend’s designs as tattoos! 
  2. I am learning how to compost. 
  3. I really like to travel. I’m headed to Berlin and Prague in May. 🙂

Thanks for volunteering with PAWS NY, Julia! If you’d like to volunteer with PAWS NY alongside Julia, register for a Virtual Volunteer Orientation now!