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.

If you are interested in our Humane Education programs for youth, please visit our Humane Education page.

Pawsitive Impact

Pawsitive Impact is a youth volunteer program for ages 13 - 14. The program seeks to prepare young adults for our Teenternship program (age 15) by entrusting them with various organizational tasks around the shelter once a week. The cost for this volunteer program is $10 per school year and can be paid by clicking the button below.

Pay Pawsitive Impact Fee

Once you have paid the volunteer fee, please sign up for a volunteer slot each week. We will have a maximum of 8 slots available every Wednesday afternoon from 4:30-6pm. Slots will become available 2 weeks prior to the date on which the opportunity is available. You will receive a link to the slot sign-up after you have paid the fee. Please complete our Youth Volunteer Waiver form below. This form should be completed for each child in the program, and must be completed prior to volunteering.

Youth Volunteer Waiver Form

Teenternships

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

Kennel Attendant (15+) helps shelter staff with opening and closing procedures including disinfecting kennels, cleaning litter boxes, feeding and watering cats, providing fresh blankets and toys, laundry and more.

Please fill out the interest form below if you are interested in our Teenternship opportunities.

Interest Form

Junior Board

High School students are invited to participate in the Junior Board after completing 12 hours of service.

Our Junior Board is a group of dedicated high school-aged students who plan events and fundraisers to promote our adoptable animals!

Applicants must complete 12 hours of volunteer service at HHS in any capacity (Youth Volunteer Days, Teenternships, or assisting in Books, Barks, Meow, Compassionate Kids Corps or Animal Advocates Club programs.)

The Junior Board will meet twice a month: once a month in person (on Saturdays) and once a month virtually (on Saturdays). Active members must attend 2/3 of all meetings (attendance will be taken). Active members must also participate in at least 5 Junior Board events throughout the year. Email Humane.Ed@hinsdalehumanesociety.org to apply.