volunteering
Youth Groups
The Youth and Community Group Volunteer Department provides corporate and community groups of up to 10 youth and 2 chaperones an exciting and rewarding one-time volunteer experience at the Oregon Humane Society.
What do youth group visits consist of?
Visits are two hours in length and begin with a a 45-minute training/tour that includes information on the shelter and animal handling skills. After the training/tour, the volunteer session includes 45 minutes of visiting time with the dogs in our outside yards (dress accordingly) and 30 minutes of visiting time in colony rooms with the cats. While visiting with the animals, volunteers help with animal socialization (petting, exercising, and grooming) and cleaning (scooping litter boxes, etc.). Socializing the animals helps us provide them with social skills that help them get adopted and the attention they desire.
When can a youth group volunteer?
Group volunteer sessions are generally available Tuesdays-Fridays during the hours of 10:00 am-3:00 pm and occasionally on Saturdays from 1:00 pm-3:00 pm.
Who can participate?
Youth who are 12-17 years old and can squat, stand, bend, lift and twist for long periods of time can volunteer at OHS. Youth under 12 years of age cannot volunteer at OHS.
Can youth groups volunteer more than one time?
Multiple visits are welcome, but are limited to twice a month. If group participants are the same for all visits after the initial volunteer session, subsequent visits will consist of direct work with the animals.
How do youth group members prepare for a visit?
Youth 12-17 years old must complete the Youth Group Volunteer Waiver Form ahead of time and bring it with them to the shelter. The forms must be complete with health insurance information (unless your organization provides proof of insurance coverage—in this case, please bring a copy of your insurance statement with you to the shelter) and parent signature. Please ensure the forms are complete prior to arrival at the shelter as those without complete forms are not allowed to participate. Youth under the age of 12 are not allowed to volunteer at OHS.
Youths and chaperones 18 or older will be asked to sign a waiver release on site. One chaperone per five youth is required.
All participants must wear long pants and closed toed shoes (tennis shoes/boots) when volunteering at the shelter and should leave valuables at home. Timeliness is important as all groups will be met promptly at start time in the front lobby.
How does one schedule a volunteer session for a youth group?
To schedule volunteer experience, please contact the Youth and Community Group Volunteer Department directly using the contact information below.
Contact Information
For further questions, please contact the Youth and Community Group Volunteer Department at 503-416-5032 or by email.
