News Arkiv - PawsofSAWS

October 10, 2026: Pet Italian Registration – NO TRAVEL PREP!

🇮🇹 Upcoming Pet Registration with Italian Authorities (read it all and follow the link to register for an appointment).

Saturday, October 10, 2026
📍 205 Housing Complex (Bldg. 303C), across from NAS 1
⏰ 0900–1300
📅 By Appointment Only
💶 € CASH ONLY on site

⚠️ IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ

The Italian government is currently implementing regional policy and taxation changes, affecting pricing, payment methods, and processing times for veterinary administrative services, including pet registrations, passports, and health certificates. As a result, delays have occurred across Italy, including at events where governmental veterinary authorities provide services on site.

Thank you for your patience and attention to the updated process.

🐾 Why you must register your pet

If you are staying in Italy longer than 3 months, your pet must be registered in the Italian National Pet Database (BDN).

Registration:
- Establishes legal ownership
- Ensures compliance with Italian law
- Helps reunite lost pets with their families

SAWS provides English-language support and administrative assistance to help pet owners navigate pet registration and travel requirements.

⭐️ Is SAWS Required?

No. Participation through SAWS is completely voluntary.

You may register directly with the appropriate governmental veterinary authorities (ASP) on your own.
SAWS offers scheduling assistance, translation support, and convenience for those who choose to participate.

📋 How It Works (Quick Checklist)

⚠️ No-Show Policy:
Missed appointments without prior notice (at least 48 hours before event) will incur a €20 fee, as appointment slots are limited.

⚠️ Right to refuse service:
SAWS reserves the right to refuse sevice to anyone for any lawful reason at any time, at our sole discretion. This includes, but is not limited to, concerns about the safety or wellbeing of animals, staff, volunteers, or the public, non-compliance with our policies or procedures, or behavior that is abusive, threatening, or disruptive.

💶 Services and Payment Details

All fees are per animal.
Fees primarily cover veterinary administrative services and on-site veterinary support.

Pet registration 🐱🐶	Pet Italian Registration only (already chipped) CATS & DOGS - Amount due at registration - paid cash on site: €110 per pet - Includes ASP registration fee - Covers ASP processing, onsite ASP consultant, and event coordination.
Pet registration & Chipping 🐱🐶	Chipping & Registration CATS & DOGS - Completed together. - Amount due at registration - paid cash on site: €135 per pet - Includes ASP registration fee - Covers ASP processing, onsite ASP consultant, and event coordination.
Consultation fee	If the requested service cannot be completed for any reason, a consultation fee will apply to cover time, assessment, and administrative processing €30 per pet
SAWS No-Show Policy	A €20 fee applies to missed appointments without prior notice (at least 48 hours before event).

📌 Important Information

- Check if your pet is already registered in Italy (BDN link)
- Open to AD, DoD, GS, contractors, & NATO personnel
- All pets must be present
- Valid government ID required
- Power of Attorney required if representing another owner
- Dogs can be microchipped from 2 months of age
- One appointment per pet
- Pets living in Italy over 3 months must be registered
- Address changes require new registration

❗️NOTE❗️
NO PCS pet passports, health certificates or Rabies vaccines at this event!
If you are PCS'ing or traveling, you are looking for this event.

🚫 Please Do NOT:

❌ arrive without an appointment
❌ forget your ID or confirmation email
❌ miss your appointment without notifying us at least 48 hours before event

📨 After Your Appointment

If you do not receive the registration certificate after 10 days, please contact us.

📞 Questions?

📱 +39 352 035 1671 (WhatsApp OK)
📧 info@pawsofsaws.org

We’re happy to help — see you and your furry friends soon! 🐕🐈💙

Disclaimer: Sigonella Animal Welfare Society, Inc. (SAWS) is an independent nonprofit organization and is not a governmental agency. We provide scheduling assistance, administrative support, and English-language guidance to help pet owners navigate registration and travel requirements. Official registrations, certifications, and approvals are issued by the appropriate governmental veterinary authorities.

October 22, 2026: SAWS Pet Travel Prep (NO pet registration)

🇮🇹 SAWS Pet Travel Preparation (PCS / Travel)
(If you signed up, you will receive your appointment very soon. If you did not sign up yet, please keep an eye out for our next PTP event)

📅 October PTP is CANCELLED
📍 205 Housing Complex (Bldg. 303C), across from NAS 1
⏰ 16:30–18:30
📅 By Appointment Only
💶 € CASH ONLY on site (Rabies must be prepaid)

⚠️ IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ

The Sicilian government is currently implementing regional policy and taxation changes, affecting pricing, payment methods, and processing times for veterinary administrative services, including pet passports and health certificates. As a result, delays have occurred across Italy, including at events where governmental veterinary authorities provide services on site.

Update as of June 8, 2026:
Due to updated information and precautionary guidance provided by the Italian Ministry of Health regarding rabies surveillance, SAWS has implemented updates to the Pet Travel Preparation (PTP) process to ensure compliance with current veterinary requirements.
These updates are intended to support efficient document processing, reduce unnecessary wait times, and ensure pets and owners complete the required travel procedures as smoothly as possible.

Please review the "How It Works" section below carefully, as some steps in the process have changed.

Thank you for your patience, flexibility, and commitment to responsible pet travel.

Additional Information
On June 3, 2026, the Italian Ministry of Health issued updated operational guidance regarding rabies surveillance and the management of suspected rabies cases in dogs and cats. While participants do not need to read this document to attend the PTP event, those interested can review the original guidance (Italian) here. For convenience, SAWS has also provided an English translation of the first page, which summarizes the most important information.

🐾 Traveling with your pet?

If you are PCS’ing, rotating, or traveling outside of Italy, this event is for you.

Depending on your destination, your pet may require:
- A valid rabies vaccination
- A pet passport
- A health certificate

⚠️ IMPORTANT:
Your pet must already be registered in the Italian Pet Database (BDN) before attending this event.
If not, registration must first be completed through the appropriate governmental veterinary authorities (ASP) or at a SAWS Pet Registration event.

⭐️ Is SAWS required?

No - participation through SAWS is completely voluntary.

You may complete your pet travel preparation directly with the appropriate governmental veterinary authorities (ASP). SAWS provides scheduling assistance, translation support, and administrative guidance for those who choose to participate.

📋 How It Works (Quick Checklist)

✔️ Read this page fully
✔️ Submit the Registration Form HERE (cancelled for October). By clicking the registration link, you acknowledge the appointment requirements, payment rules, and no-show policy outlined on this SAWS page)
✔️ Receive an automatic confirmation email confirming that your registration request has been received. This is NOT your appointment confirmation.
✔️ Once registration closes and scheduling is finalized, SAWS will assign appointment times and notify participants by email.
✔️ Receive your assigned appointment time from SAWS.
✔️ Complete any required rabies vaccination prepayments (see table below).
✔️ Attend your scheduled appointment with your ID, confirmation email, and payment. No pets need to be present at the PTP event unless a rabies vaccination has been scheduled and paid for.
✔️ Bring € CASH ONLY for payments due on site.
✔️ SAWS will coordinate an expedited ASP Catania appointment for collection of your pet's travel documents shortly before your departure date.
✔️ Your exact departure date is required. SAWS uses this information to coordinate your ASP appointment. If your travel date is not finalized at the time of the event, or if it changes later, please notify SAWS no later than 15 days to departure by email or WhatsApp.
✔️ Attend your scheduled ASP appointment and bring your pet. ASP will complete the final travel-related verification and release your pet passport and/or health certificate directly to you.

⚠️ No-Show Policy:
Missed appointments without prior notice (at least 48 hours before event) will incur a €20 fee, as appointment slots are limited.

⚠️ Right to refuse service:
SAWS reserves the right to refuse service to anyone for any lawful reason at any time, at our sole discretion. This includes, but is not limited to, concerns about the safety or wellbeing of animals, staff, volunteers, or the public, non-compliance with our policies or procedures, or behavior that is abusive, threatening, or disruptive.

💶 Services and Payment Details

All fees are per animal.
Fees primarily cover veterinary administrative services and on-site veterinary support.

PCS/travel preparation 🐱🐶	PCS/travel preparation CATS & DOGS - Amount due at registration - paid cash on site: €165 per pet ✅ Covers: - Document review - Rabies timing verification - Passport readiness check - ASP coordination support - Health Certificate
Advanced Confirmation Health Certificate (AC) 🐱	AC Health Certificate CATS & DOGS - Amount due at registration - paid cash on site: €85 per pet ✅ Covers: - Official Health Certificate (AC) - Required for travel to foreign countries (ie Japan) - Requirements are country dependent
PCS Rabies 🐱🐶	Rabies Vaccine - must be prepaid CATS & DOGS Prepayment paid to SAWS - PayPal: €60 per animal/vaccine + PayPal fee €5 = €65 in total per pet/vaccine. - Bank transfer: Bank: Chase / JPMorgan Chase Bank. Account number: 652708028, BIC/SWIFT: CHASUS33. Bank Fee must be paid by you and has to be added to the €60 - Make sure you transfer €60 and not $60 😉 - Required only for departure/travel - Must be administered at least 30 day prior to departure.
Consultation fee	If the requested service cannot be completed for any reason, a consultation fee will apply to cover time, assessment, and administrative processing €30 per pet
SAWS No-Show Policy	A €30 fee applies to missed appointments without prior notice (at least 48 hours before event).

📌 Important Information

- Check if your pet is already registered in Italy (BDN link)
- Open to AD, DoD, GS, contractors, & NATO personnel
- You only need to bring your pet to the appointment with SAWS, if it is getting a Rabies vaccination.
- Your pet MUST be present when you pick up the travel documents at ASP Catania
- Valid government ID required
- Power of Attorney required if representing another owner
- It is recommended to begin the process around 2 months prior to PCS/travel. Starting early helps avoid delays and last-minute processing.
Due to the short validity of the health certificate, documents are typically issued and handed over in person the day before travel (or 2 days prior if travel falls after a weekend).
- ⚠️ Requests within 2 weeks of the event will incur an urgency processing fee.
- Rabies vaccine only with PCS passport & health certificate
- One appointment per pet

🚫 Please Do NOT:

❌ arrive without an appointment
❌ arrive without prepayment for rabies vaccination (vaccines are only available if prepaid)
❌ forget your ID or confirmation email
❌ miss your appointment without notifying us at least 48 hours before event

📞 Questions?

📱 +39 352 035 1671 (WhatsApp OK)
📧 info@pawsofsaws.org

We’re happy to help if you have questions regarding this event - see you soon! 🐕🐈💙

September 10, 2026: SAWS Pet Travel Prep (NO pet registration)

🇮🇹 SAWS Pet Travel Preparation (PCS / Travel)
(If you signed up, you will receive your appointment very soon. If you did not sign up yet, please keep an eye out for our next PTP event)

📅 Thursday, September 10, 2026
📍 205 Housing Complex (Bldg. 303C), across from NAS 1
⏰ 16:30–18:30
📅 By Appointment Only
💶 € CASH ONLY on site (Rabies must be prepaid)

⚠️ IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ

Please review the "How It Works" section below carefully, as some steps in the process have changed.

Thank you for your patience, flexibility, and commitment to responsible pet travel.

🐾 Traveling with your pet?

If you are PCS’ing, rotating, or traveling outside of Italy, this event is for you.

Depending on your destination, your pet may require:
- A valid rabies vaccination
- A pet passport
- A health certificate

⭐️ Is SAWS required?

No - participation through SAWS is completely voluntary.

📋 How It Works (Quick Checklist)

✔️ Read this page fully
✔️ Submit the Registration Form HERE. By clicking the registration link, you acknowledge the appointment requirements, payment rules, and no-show policy outlined on this SAWS page)
✔️ Receive an automatic confirmation email confirming that your registration request has been received. This is NOT your appointment confirmation.
✔️ Once registration closes and scheduling is finalized, SAWS will assign appointment times and notify participants by email.
✔️ Receive your assigned appointment time from SAWS.
✔️ Complete any required rabies vaccination prepayments (see table below).
✔️ Attend your scheduled appointment with your ID, confirmation email, and payment. No pets need to be present at the PTP event unless a rabies vaccination has been scheduled and paid for.
✔️ Bring € CASH ONLY for payments due on site.
✔️ SAWS will coordinate an expedited ASP Catania appointment for collection of your pet's travel documents shortly before your departure date.
✔️ Your exact departure date is required. SAWS uses this information to coordinate your ASP appointment. If your travel date is not finalized at the time of the event, or if it changes later, please notify SAWS no later than 15 days to departure by email or WhatsApp.
✔️ Attend your scheduled ASP appointment and bring your pet. ASP will complete the final travel-related verification and release your pet passport and/or health certificate directly to you.

⚠️ No-Show Policy:
Missed appointments without prior notice (at least 48 hours before event) will incur a €20 fee, as appointment slots are limited.

💶 Services and Payment Details

All fees are per animal.
Fees primarily cover veterinary administrative services and on-site veterinary support.

PCS/travel preparation 🐱🐶	PCS/travel preparation CATS & DOGS - Amount due at registration - paid cash on site: €165 per pet ✅ Covers: - Document review - Rabies timing verification - Passport readiness check - ASP coordination support - Health Certificate
Advanced Confirmation Health Certificate (AC) 🐱	AC Health Certificate CATS & DOGS - Amount due at registration - paid cash on site: €85 per pet ✅ Covers: - Official Health Certificate (AC) - Required for travel to foreign countries (ie Japan) - Requirements are country dependent
PCS Rabies 🐱🐶	Rabies Vaccine - must be prepaid CATS & DOGS Prepayment paid to SAWS - PayPal: €60 per animal/vaccine + PayPal fee €5 = €65 in total per pet/vaccine. - Bank transfer: Bank: Chase / JPMorgan Chase Bank. Account number: 652708028, BIC/SWIFT: CHASUS33. Bank Fee must be paid by you and has to be added to the €60 - Make sure you transfer €60 and not $60 😉 - Required only for departure/travel - Must be administered at least 30 day prior to departure.
Consultation fee	If the requested service cannot be completed for any reason, a consultation fee will apply to cover time, assessment, and administrative processing €30 per pet
SAWS No-Show Policy	A €30 fee applies to missed appointments without prior notice (at least 48 hours before event).

📌 Important Information

🚫 Please Do NOT:

📞 Questions?

📱 +39 352 035 1671 (WhatsApp OK)
📧 info@pawsofsaws.org

We’re happy to help if you have questions regarding this event - see you soon! 🐕🐈💙

FRIDAY September 4, 2026: Pet Italian Registration – NO TRAVEL PREP!

🇮🇹 Upcoming Pet Registration with Italian Authorities (read it all and follow the link to register for an appointment - sign up is now closed).

FRIDAY, September 4, 2026
📍 205 Housing Complex (Bldg. 303C), across from NAS 1
⏰ 16:30–18:30
📅 By Appointment Only
💶 € CASH ONLY on site

⚠️ IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ

Thank you for your patience and attention to the updated process.

🐾 Why you must register your pet

If you are staying in Italy longer than 3 months, your pet must be registered in the Italian National Pet Database (BDN).

Registration:
- Establishes legal ownership
- Ensures compliance with Italian law
- Helps reunite lost pets with their families

SAWS provides English-language support and administrative assistance to help pet owners navigate pet registration and travel requirements.

⭐️ Is SAWS Required?

No. Participation through SAWS is completely voluntary.

📋 How It Works (Quick Checklist)

✔️ Read this page fully
✔️ Submit the Registration Form HERE (closed now). By clicking the registration link, you acknowledge the appointment requirements, payment rules, and no-show policy outlined on this SAWS page
✔️ Receive an automatic confirmation email regarding your registration request (this is not your appointment confirmation)
✔️ SAWS schedules appointments once registrations close and the event schedule is finalized
✔️ Receive your assigned time slot by email
✔️ Attend with your pet, ID, confirmation email, and payment
✔️ Bring EURO CASH ONLY for payments on site

⚠️ No-Show Policy:
Missed appointments without prior notice (at least 48 hours before event) will incur a €20 fee, as appointment slots are limited.

💶 Services and Payment Details

All fees are per animal.
Fees primarily cover veterinary administrative services and on-site veterinary support.

Pet registration 🐱🐶	Pet Italian Registration only (already chipped) CATS & DOGS - Amount due at registration - paid cash on site: €110 per pet - Includes ASP registration fee - Covers ASP processing, onsite ASP consultant, and event coordination.
Pet registration & Chipping 🐱🐶	Chipping & Registration CATS & DOGS - Completed together. - Amount due at registration - paid cash on site: €135 per pet - Includes ASP registration fee - Covers ASP processing, onsite ASP consultant, and event coordination.
Consultation fee	If the requested service cannot be completed for any reason, a consultation fee will apply to cover time, assessment, and administrative processing €30 per pet
SAWS No-Show Policy	A €20 fee applies to missed appointments without prior notice (at least 48 hours before event).

📌 Important Information

❗️NOTE❗️
NO PCS pet passports, health certificates or Rabies vaccines at this event!
If you are PCS'ing or traveling, you are looking for this event.

🚫 Please Do NOT:

❌ arrive without an appointment
❌ forget your ID or confirmation email
❌ miss your appointment without notifying us at least 48 hours before event

📨 After Your Appointment

If you do not receive the registration certificate after 10 days, please contact us.

📞 Questions?

📱 +39 352 035 1671 (WhatsApp OK)
📧 info@pawsofsaws.org

We’re happy to help — see you and your furry friends soon! 🐕🐈💙

Rescue Assistant
(consultant)

Rescue Assistant (Consultant)

Position summary
The Rescue Assistant supports the day-to-day coordination of SAWS rescue operations, ensuring that animals in our care are healthy, documented, and progressing toward adoption. This volunteer role requires strong communication, organization, and follow-up skills. You’ll collaborate closely with fosters, adopters, veterinarians, and the SAWS team to ensure smooth, efficient, and compassionate rescue operations..

Key responsibilities
✨ Monitor the wellbeing of rescue animals through regular communication with fosters.
✨ Coordinate veterinary care, including appointments and follow-ups.
✨ Support the adoption process, including meet & greets and post-adoption check-ins.
✨ Assist with organizing animal records and required documentation.
✨ Help gather photos and updates to support adoption promotion.
✨ Support the team with general rescue coordination and operations.

Qualifications & skills
✔️ Strong organizational and communication skills with attention to detail.
✔️ Compassionate, reliable, and proactive with good follow-up habits.
✔️ Comfortable using digital tools such as WhatsApp and Google Workspace.
✔️ Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
✔️ Fluency in English and/or Italian (German is a plus).
✔️ Passion for animal welfare and commitment to the SAWS mission.

What we offer
🌟 The opportunity to directly support life-saving rescue efforts and animal welfare.
🌟 A supportive, multicultural volunteer team environment.
🌟 Hands-on experience in rescue coordination, logistics, and communication.
🌟 Recognition and letters of reference for dedicated volunteers.

Join us!
If you’re organized, compassionate, and ready to make a real difference, join SAWS Inc. as a Volunteer Rescue Assistant! Help us ensure every animal receives the care, coordination, and support they need to find a loving home.

👉 Apply by filling out the VOLUNTEER APPLICATION.

Supply Coordinator
(board)

Supply Coordinator (Board position)

Position summary
Do you love organization, logistics, and knowing that behind-the-scenes work truly saves lives? Join SAWS Inc. as our Volunteer Supply Coordinator and play a vital role in ensuring rescued animals across Sicily always have what they need to thrive. This position is essential to keeping our rescue operations efficient, transparent, and humane.

Location
For this role you would have to be a local community member. You don't need to live just around the corner, as long as you have a car and can get to our HQ. It's a given, that you know how the community ticks, how the local area looks and what opportunities this gives SAWS. Many planning tasks can be done remotely, but the magic happens when strong collaboration meets community spirit.

Position summary
The Supply Coordinator is responsible for managing, organizing, and overseeing all physical supplies used by SAWS Inc., including food, medical items, crates, and rescue kits. This volunteer role ensures that inventory is accurately tracked, supplies are well organized, and essential items are always available when animals enter care.

You’ll work closely with the Office Manager, Animal Care Director, and SAWS leadership to support daily operations, plan monthly purchases, and responsibly manage donated and purchased supplies.

Key responsibilities
✨ Inventory management
✨ Supply kits & categorization
✨ Food management
✨ Crate & transport box oversight
✨ Donations & redistribution
✨ Purchasing & planning

Qualificatins & skills
✔️ Highly organized and detail-oriented
✔️ Comfortable tracking inventory and maintaining systems
✔️ Reliable, responsible, and able to work independently
✔️ Strong communication skills when coordinating with leadership and volunteers
✔️ A mission-driven mindset with a commitment to animal welfare

What we offer
🌟 A direct, meaningful impact on the care and well-being of rescued animals
🌟 A supportive, international volunteer team that values structure and collaboration
🌟 Hands-on experience in nonprofit logistics and rescue operations
🌟 Recognition and letters of reference for dedicated volunteers

Join us!
If you’re caring, dependable, and ready to help cats and their foster families thrive - join SAWS Inc. as our Volunteer Cat Consultant! Your dedication can help transform lives and give every cat a chance at a brighter future.

👉 Apply by filling out the VOLUNTEER APPLICATION.

Office Manager
(consultant)

Office Manager (Consultant position)

Position summary
Are you an organizational powerhouse with a heart for animals? Do you love staying organized, supporting teams, and ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes — all while helping animals in need? Join our compassionate volunteer team at Sigonella Animal Welfare Society, Inc. (SAWS Inc.) as our Office Manager!

In this essential role, you’ll be the backbone of our daily operations, helping create an orderly, welcoming, and efficient environment so our rescue efforts can thrive. If you have a passion for organization and a heart for animals, this is the perfect way to make a life-changing impact for pets across Sicily.

Location
This is a volunteer Consultant role, which is not on our board. The role requires regular in-person presence at the SAWS apartment (Catania/Sigonella area) to manage supplies, systems, and office functions. This Office Manager reports to the SAWS Board Members.

Position summary
The Volunteer Office Manager supports the administrative and organizational functions of SAWS, ensuring our facility, systems, and communications run smoothly. This role keeps our rescue mission moving forward by managing records, supplies, communications, and office logistics.

You will work closely with the SAWS Board and volunteers to maintain a warm, structured, and supportive office environment that empowers our team, welcomes community members, and supports our mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals in the Sigonella area.

Key responsibilities
Office Operations & Administration:
✨ Manage daily administrative tasks to ensure efficient operations
✨ Maintain digital and physical filing systems for receipts, records, and documents
✨ Keep office equipment functioning and well-maintained
✨ Support SAWS Board Members with administrative tasks
✨ Maintain accurate records, logs, and office systems

Supplies & Facility Coordination:
✨ Track and restock office and general supplies
✨ Coordinate cleaning schedules and basic facility maintenance
✨ Work with vendors and service providers to support office needs

Visitor & Communication Support:
✨ Manage the main phone and email inbox with professionalism and compassion
✨ Provide a welcoming environment for visitors, donors, and volunteers
✨ Prepare donation acknowledgments and official correspondence
✨ Assist with scheduling meetings and supporting logistics for events

Volunteer & Team Support:
✨ Assist with volunteer coordination tasks (contact lists, hours, communication)
✨ Support administrative tasks related to animal care and travel documentation (in partnership with ASP and veterinary contacts)

Preferred qualifications
✔️ Organized, proactive, and detail-oriented
✔️ Strong communication skills and a friendly, professional demeanor
✔️ Experience in office administration or similar role (nonprofit experience is a plus!)
✔️ Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
✔️ Resourceful, adaptable, and calm in a busy rescue environment
✔️ Mission-driven and passionate about animal welfare
✔️ Bonus: Basic conversational Italian for vendor communication

Time commitment
This is a volunteer role as a consultant (not on our board), that requires consistent, on-site presence at the SAWS apartment (not every day). Time commitment may vary, but reliability is essential.

What we offer
🌟 The chance to be a core part of our lifesaving animal rescue mission
🌟 A supportive, dedicated, and multicultural volunteer community
🌟 Opportunities to build administrative, leadership, and nonprofit operations skills
🌟 Recognition and letters of reference for dedicated volunteers

Join us!
Together, we can keep our lifesaving mission running smoothly and make a meaningful impact for animals in need — one paw at a time.
👉 Apply by filling out the VOLUNTEER APPLICATION.

Dog Consultant
(consultant)

Dog Consultant (Consultant position)

Do you have a passion for dogs, a knack for understanding their needs, and a desire to help families and fosters succeed? Join our compassionate team at SAWS Inc. as our Volunteer Dog Consultant! In this vital role, you’ll support the rescue, rehabilitation, and placement of dogs and puppies across Sicily while guiding fosters through every step of their journey.

Dog Consultant - position summary
The Dog Consultant is responsible for supporting foster families, coordinating care for rescued dogs, and helping ensure each animal receives proper attention, training, and medical support. This volunteer role requires patience, good communication, and a solid understanding of basic canine behavior and wellness. You’ll work closely with the Animal Director, and the Communications team to ensure each dog is set up for success.

Key responsibilities
✨ Support foster families by providing guidance on dog care, behavior, and common challenges.
✨ Assist with the intake, care, and rehabilitation of rescued dogs and puppies.
✨ Coordinate veterinary care, including appointments, treatments, and follow-ups.
✨ Monitor each dog’s progress and maintain accurate care records.
✨ Share best practices in dog health, training, and welfare with fosters and the team.
✨ Collaborate with the team to support successful placements and responsible dog ownership.

Qualifications & skills
✔️ A dedicated dog lover with basic knowledge of canine health, behavior, and safe handling.
✔️ Strong communication and teamwork skills for coordinating with fosters, volunteers, and Board Members.
✔️ Patience and confidence working with dogs of different backgrounds and temperaments.
✔️ Ability to assess situations and identify when veterinary or behavioral intervention is needed.
✔️ A mission-driven attitude and passion for animal welfare.

What We Offer
🌟 The opportunity to directly improve the lives of dogs and puppies in need across Sicily.
🌟 A supportive, compassionate, and multicultural volunteer team that values collaboration and respect.
🌟 Opportunities to gain hands-on experience in dog behavior, rescue procedures, medical basics, and foster support.
🌟 Recognition and letters of reference for dedicated volunteers.

How to Apply
👉 Apply by filling out the VOLUNTEER APPLICATION.

Join us!
If you're caring, dependable, and ready to help dogs and their foster families thrive - join SAWS Inc. as our Volunteer Dog Consultant! Your commitment can help transform lives and give every dog a chance at a brighter future.

Communications
Officer

Communications Officer (Consultant position)

Position summary
Are you creative, self-driven, and passionate about telling meaningful stories? SAWS is looking for a Communications Officer to help share our rescue work and maintain a strong, engaging presence across our social media platforms.

In this volunteer role, you will create content that highlights adoptable animals, promotes events, educates the community, and celebrates the impact of SAWS. This position requires someone who is proactive, independent, and confident in producing reels and dynamic content that brings our mission to life. Communications Officers work under the Communications Director and collaborate with the Rescue and Events teams.

Location
The role does not require you to live in the Catania area, though local community members are warmly welcomed. Many planning tasks can be done remotely, but the magic happens when strong collaboration meets community spirit.

Key responsibilities
Social media management & content creation
✨ Create and schedule posts across Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok using Meta Business Suite.
✨ Produce engaging content including reels, short videos, photos, and stories.
✨ Feature adoptable animals, foster updates, events, volunteer needs, and educational topics.
✨ Follow SAWS communication standards and branding style.

Community engagement
✨ Respond to comments and messages professionally and kindly.
✨ Help cultivate a positive and welcoming online community that reflects SAWS values.
✨ Share accurate information and refer sensitive questions to the Communications Director when needed.

Storytelling & awareness
✨ Highlight rescue stories, foster journeys, and SAWS programs.
✨ Support awareness days, ongoing campaigns, and fundraising efforts.
✨ Prepare courtesy posts according to SAWS schedule.

Team collaboration
✨ Coordinate with the Rescue Team to gather updates, photos, and approved information.
✨ Work with the Event Planner to promote events and activities.
✨ Maintain communication with the Communications Director on scheduling and planned absences.

Qualifications & skills
✔️ Experience creating social media content, especially reels and short-form videos.
✔️ Strong storytelling, writing, and visual communication skills.
✔️ Ability to work independently and take initiative without frequent direction.
✔️ Organized, reliable, and consistent in following communication standards.
✔️ Comfortable using Meta Business Suite; Canva or video-editing skills are a plus.
✔️ Passion for animal welfare and SAWS’ mission.

What We Offer
🌟 The opportunity to directly support animal rescue through creative communication.
🌟 A friendly, multicultural volunteer environment that values teamwork and compassion.
🌟 Skill development in digital marketing, visual storytelling, and nonprofit communications.
🌟 Letters of reference for dedicated volunteers.

How to Apply
👉 Apply by filling out the VOLUNTEER APPLICATION.

Join us!
If you’re ready to use your creativity to make a real impact for animals in need, join SAWS Inc. as our Communications Officer — where every story you share helps save a life.

Assistant Treasurer
(board)

Assistant Treasurer (Board position)

Position summary
The Assistant Treasurer works closely with the Treasurer to help collect receipts, track expenses, maintain accurate records, and prepare reports. This volunteer position plays a key supporting role in ensuring SAWS’s financial operations stay organized and compliant, while freeing up resources so we can focus on what matters most - helping animals.

Key responsibilities
✨ Assist the Treasurer in collecting and organizing receipts, invoices, and reimbursement forms.
✨ Help maintain financial records for animal medical care, supplies, TNR, HQ operations, and fundraising activities.
✨ Support data entry into the accounting software and assist in preparing monthly financial summaries.
✨ Help track donations and sponsorships, and maintain records for corporate donation requests.
✨ Assist with budget updates, reimbursements, and financial tracking for special projects or events.
✨ Prepare draft reports and assist with documentation for board meetings and audits.
✨ Serve as backup for the Treasurer during absences, ensuring continuity in financial management.

Preferred qualifications
✔️ Basic knowledge of bookkeeping, data entry, or financial record keeping (training provided).
✔️ Strong attention to detail, organization, and time management.
✔️ Ability to work collaboratively and communicate clearly with the Treasurer and Board.
✔️ Familiarity with Google Workspace, Excel, or simple accounting tools is a plus.
✔️ A passion for animal welfare and a willingness to learn.

Time commitment
This volunteer role averages 2–4 hours per week, with flexible scheduling based on organizational needs. Attendance at monthly board meetings (in person or online) may be requested on occasion, and it would be greatly appreciated if you would set aside some time for our events.

What we offer
🌟 The chance to directly support animal rescue operations across Sicily.
🌟 A friendly, multicultural volunteer environment that values teamwork and compassion.
🌟 Opportunities to develop new skills in nonprofit administration and financial coordination.
🌟 Recognition and letters of reference for dedicated volunteers.

Join us!
If you’re ready to lend a helping paw to our mission and grow your experience in nonprofit work, join SAWS Inc. as our Assistant Treasurer - where every detail you handle helps save a life.

👉 Apply by filling out the VOLUNTEER APPLICATION.