Youth Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers working directly with animals are required to be over the age of 18, but there are still a variety of ways for young people to get involved at HHS and make a difference in the lives of our homeless pets. Read more about our youth volunteer opportunities below and fill out the interest form to get started. ALL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES ARE BY APPOINTMENT OR REGISTRATION ONLY. FILLING OUT THE INTEREST FORM DOES NOT GUARANTEE IMMEDIATE PARTICIPATION IN ANY PROGRAM. Contact Lauren Link with any questions.

Books Barks Meow

Young readers ages 4+ are invited to the PRRC with a parent or guardian to sit in front of the kennels and read to our pets. This program is designed to help develop young people’s reading skills, as well as provide some extra enrichment and love for our homeless animals. Our cats and dogs enjoy all sorts of reading material from novels, to nonfiction, to picture books, and even schoolwork!

Compassionate Kids Corps

Calling all animal lovers ages 8-12! Join the Compassionate Kids Corps to learn more about animal welfare, rescue, and care, and help keep the Hinsdale Humane Society beautiful and clean. We meet Tuesday nights at the PRRC from 5:30-7:00 PM. Fill out the Program Contact Form below if you’re interested in joining the Compassionate Kids Corps!

Youth Volunteer Days

Throughout the year, we invite individuals ages 10+ to come into the PRRC and help out by completing a variety of sanitation and service activities including vacuuming, sweeping, mopping, taking out garbage, cleaning windows, and more. 

Teenternships

Want to be more consistently involved with our mission? Check out our Teenternship opportunities below:

  • Humane Education Assistant (13+) assists with our variety of youth volunteer programs, community events, and group informational visits. 
  • Guest Experience Volunteer (15+) assists shelter staff, adopters, and visitors during business hours
  • Kennel Attendant (15+) helps shelter staff with open and closing procedures including disinfecting kennels, cleaning litter boxes, feeding and watering cats, providing fresh blankets and toys, laundry, and more. 

Junior Board

Volunteers (13+) are invited to participate in the Junior Board after completing 10 hours of service in at least two different roles.