Youth Volunteer Program (for youth 12-15 years old)

 

The Youth Volunteer Program provides youth ages 12 to 15 a long-term volunteer opportunity at the Oregon Humane Society.  While in the shelter, Youth Volunteers participate in basic animal care and other shelter activities while under the supervision of the Youth and Community Group Volunteer Coordinator. Short-term volunteer opportunities are not available for youth at OHS.

 

What are the requirements to become a Youth Volunteer?

• Have an interest in socializing and caring for shelter animals (dogs, cats, rodents)
• Be 12 to 15 years old (NO EXCEPTIONS)
• Be willing to walk big, rambunctious dogs that pull on leash
• Have current medical insurance (NO EXCEPTIONS)
• Commit to giving four hours of service monthly for a period of six months or longer
• Be able to squat, twist, bend, lift and/or stand for long periods of time
• Be responsible, respectful, hard-working and self-directed (be able to see and do what needs to be done) with limited supervision
• Complete and return a Youth Volunteer application
• Attend an Information Night and Mentor Session (total of 4 hours-each is a 2 hour session).

 

What do Youth Volunteers do?

• Dog walking (including dogs that are big, bouncy and pull on a leash)
• Feeding animals
• Socializing animals (petting them and spending time with them)
• Bathing and grooming animals
• Basic training (sit, down, off, etc.)
• Cleaning animal areas (including scooping poop and cleaning litter boxes)
• Helping with other shelter cleaning (washing windows, walls, dishes, etc.)

 

Youth Volunteers DO NOT:

• Interact with the public
• Handle puppies or kittens

 

When can I volunteer?

 

OHS provides flexible scheduling so that volunteer work can fit easily into the lifestyles of busy teens.  We require Youth Volunteers to give four hours of service monthly (two shifts per month) for a period of six consecutive months or more, but they are welcome to give more hours as availability allows.  We do NOT assign Youth Volunteers specific shifts, instead youth can select from available shifts, which generally include:

 

Tuesdays from 10:00-12:00 or 4:00-6:00

Wednesdays from 10:00-12:00 or 4:00-6:00

Thursdays from 10:00-12:00 or 4:00-6:00

Fridays from 10:00-12:00 or 4:00-6:00

Saturdays from 10:00-12:00 or 4:00-6:00

Sundays and Mondays are NOT available.

 

IMPORTANT!  If you agreed to come during specific shifts at the time of orientation, you are expected to volunteer during those volunteer shifts

What are the benefits of becoming a Youth Volunteer?

• Gaining an insider’s view on how an animal shelter operates
• Learning valuable animal handling skills
• Developing friendships with other youth interested in animals
• Gaining great work experience that can fulfill school community service hours
• Developing leadership skill

 

How do I apply to become a Youth Volunteer?

 

To become a Youth Volunteer, follow the steps below. Please note that the Youth Volunteer Program is filled on a first come first served basis.

• Step 1: Review the requirements above carefully.

• Step 2: Download the application (PDF) and submit it by mail or fax to the Youth Volunteer Department.

• Step 3: Attend a Youth Volunteer Information Night, if possible, with a parent/guardian.  Once your application forms are received, the Youth and Community Group Volunteer Coordinator will contact you to schedule a Youth Volunteer Information Night. These are generally held once a month on Tuesdays from 4:00-6:00pm. To learn more about program specifics, please review the Youth Volunteer Handbook (PDF).  All participants, including parents/guardians, must wear long pants and closed-toed, non-slip shoes.

 

• Step 4: Attend a two-hour, hands-on orientation called a Mentor Session.  This training session will be scheduled along with the Youth Volunteer Information Night and are generally held twice a month on Tuesdays from 4:00-6:00pm.  All teens attending the orientation must wear long pants and closed-toed, non-slip shoes.

• Step 5: Schedule volunteer hours and have fun!!!

 

Contact Information

For further questions, please contact the Youth and Community Group Volunteer Department at 503-416-5032 or by email.