Youth Volunteers

Our youth volunteers bring a special energy to our Shelter. With so much to do at SFAS and so many animals to socialize, our 12 to 15 year-olds give it all they’ve got. Our youth can work in nearly all of our volunteer roles, with the help of a chaperone. This is a great team-building and bonding experience, not just with animals, but with each other.  

While we don’t have ongoing volunteer roles for youth aged 6-12, they can attend an “Experience the Shelter” event with a parent or guardian, other friends or family. This is a one-time event that can last from 2 to 4 hours. Email us for more information. Our Humane Education team may also be available for a larger group tour at the Shelter or visit to a school location; learn more about our Humane Education program.

Learn other Ways to Help Animals at the Shelter and in the community without becoming a longer-term volunteer.

If you are at least 12 years old, have a chaperone and are ready to join a volunteer program where you can learn about animals and the world of animal sheltering, we would love to have you join us. If you need hours for school or other community service, please visit that page to begin. Otherwise, here’s how to get started:

Youth Volunteer and Chaperone Requirements

• Applicants between the ages of 12 and 15 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian (18+). Both individuals must create a VolunteerMatrix profile and attend training for their desired volunteer roles. 

• Those wanting to handle animals must attend specific handling classes provided by the Shelter.

• Applicants must be willing to follow organizational policies for the safety and well-being of the animals and other people at SFAS locations.

• Chaperones (18+) and youth volunteers have the option of purchasing a new volunteer apron for $10, which you may take home; communal aprons will be provided if you do not wish to purchase one. 

Application Process

• Chaperones will register for an account at VolunteerMatrix, our Shelter’s volunteer scheduling software. Use the same link to register the youth volunteer for a separate account.

• After registration, you can move through Matrix’s calendar links to access the training requirements for the many volunteer programs. 

• You are welcomed as a SFAS volunteer, a vital part of the care and enrichment of our Shelter pets!

 

Also show information for:

Volunteers 16+     Groups     One Time Events