Youth Volunteer Portal
Current youth volunteers can log into the Volunteer Portal to view their schedule, schedule classes, view or print a report of hours, and/or update their volunteer profile.
Portland Campus
Long Term Volunteering
Are you 12-17 years old and passionate about helping shelter animals? Learn more about how to apply for our Long-Term Youth Volunteer program below.
Who can apply?
This program is open to anyone between the ages of 12-17. Youth Volunteers must be respectful, responsible, and most importantly: love helping animals!
What is it?
While every shift looks a little different, Youth Volunteers engage in activities that directly and indirectly benefit all the animals at OHS. This includes: walking dogs, socializing with dogs, cats, and small animals, maintaining a clean and healthy environment, and so much more!
Long-Term Youth Volunteers must commit to participate in their assigned 2-hour shift every other week for at least six months. Shifts are offered from 4 p.m.-6 p.m. Thursday-Sunday with an additional 10 a.m. -12 p.m. option on weekends.
Our next application window will open Thursday, January 4 at 11 a.m. and will close on Sunday, January 7 at 5 p.m. When the window opens, a link to the application will be posted here along with further information about available shifts.
Salem Campus
Volunteer Requirements
Youth Volunteers must be a minimum of 16 years of age and complete all volunteer training and paperwork. Individuals between ages 12 and 15 may volunteer with a parent or guardian over the age of 18. Both the youth and adult will need to fill out applications and participate in all volunteer training. Adults in need of a support person or guardian may also apply as part of our Partner Pair Program.
Volunteer Roles
- Dog walking
- Animal Care Assistants – cleaning kennels, making sure animals have food and water
- Enrichment Team – helping keep shelter animals engaged
- Foster care
Volunteer Orientation
We host orientations on the first Saturday of February, April, June, August, October and December. Once you sign up for an orientation, you will then receive another email from Sterling which will ask you to go to a secure website to complete a background check. Anyone wanting to become a volunteer at OHS must complete a background check before they can attend an orientation.
Volunteer Commitment
After Volunteer Orientation, we ask that Volunteers commit to one shift a week. Volunteer Shifts are two to three hours long. All Salem volunteers can schedule their shifts through our Volunteer Portal. Log in to view your volunteer schedule, schedule shifts, view or print a report of hours, and/or update your volunteer profile.
Applications are now open!
Contact Us
For further questions, please reach out to the Portland and Salem Campus Volunteer teams.
