Oregon Humane Society
  Volunteer


 
 
 
Youth Volunteer Center Website:

 

 

Youth Volunteer Program (for youth 12-17 years old)

The Youth Volunteer Program provides youth ages 12 to 17 a long-term volunteer opportunity (at least four hours monthly for six months). 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. In-shelter, short-term volunteer opportunities are not available for youth at OHS, but there are opportunities to help animals at home.

 

Learn More

 

 

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 17 years old (no exceptions)

• Purchase volunteer supplies totaling $41.75 (details here).
• 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 the online Youth Volunteer application (see below for link to application)
• Attend an Information Night and Mentor Session (total of 4 hours-each is a 2 hour session).

• Be willing to spend a great deal of time (sometimes the entire two-hour shift) walking dogs. One of our goals is to walk all the shelter dogs. You should expect to walk "hyper" dogs that pull hard on leash much of the time.

 

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.)

See our Youth Volunteer Handbook for more details.

 

Youth Volunteers DO NOT:

• Interact with the public
• Handle puppies or kittens

 

When can I volunteer?

The Youth Volunteer Program is currently full and we are not accepting applications. Please check back in August to learn about available shifts and openings. This page will be updated as soon as training slots become available.  We do not have a waiting list or keep applications on file. Training sessions are filled on a first come first served basis.

OHS does not have a summer only volunteer program. Youth applying to volunteer must be able to help for a six month period of time.

OHS provides flexible scheduling so that volunteer work can fit easily into the lifestyles of busy teens.  We require Youth Volunteers to give 4 hours of service monthly (two shifts per month) for a period of 6 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 as it works for their schedule. A list of available shifts is below.

 

  • Wednesdays from 10:00-12:00 (Full-Not Available)
  • Wednesdays from 4:00-6:00 (Full-Not Available)
  • Thursdays from 10:00-12:00 (Full-Not Available)
  • Thursdays from 4:00-6:00 (Full-Not Available)
  • Fridays from 10:00-12:00 (Full-Not Available)
  • Fridays from 4:00-6:00 (Full-Not Available)
  • Saturdays from 10:00-12:00 (Full-Not Available)
  • Saturdays from 4:00-6:00 (Full-Not Available)
  • Sundays from 4:00-6:00 (Full-Not Available)


Mondays and Tuesdays are not available.

 

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 skills

 

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:  Submit an application online. The application link will be activated when shifts open. We do not keep applications on file or have a waiting list.

Step 3:  Your application will be reviewed by the Youth Volunteer Coordinator.  If your application is accepted, you will receive an email that invites you to the next available Youth Volunteer Orientation (if your application is not accepted you will receive an email with further instructions).  This training usually occurs on Wednesdays or Fridays from 4:00-6:00 and consists of two parts:

-- Information Night: A two hour session where you will learn about OHS, the program, rules and animal handling.  Parents are encouraged to attend, but not required.

-- Mentor Session: A two hour session that goes over shelter work and is hands-on with the animals.  This session is for youth only.

Step 4: Schedule volunteer hours and have fun!!


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