Volunteer programs offer a win-win for both shelters and young people. Through reading programs, children benefit from improved literacy while dogs become comfortable with human interaction. On the other hand, young adults gain career insights while contributing to essential shelter tasks like dog walking, cleaning, and enrichment. Even virtual volunteering options, such as making dog toys or organizing fundraisers, are available. These programs also offer the added benefits of grant eligibility and increased community visibility for the shelter.
See also: A Global List of Humane Education Initiatives for Children and Youth
Use the following list as a springboard for creating your own youth volunteer program! These examples of successful on-site and off-site programs for school-aged children and youth offer valuable inspiration and ideas.
Jump to: On-site Programs | Off-site Programs
On-site Volunteer Programs for Children & Youth
A sample list of on-site volunteer programs for children & youth provided by dog welfare organizations, by country.
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Canada
Humane Society Hastings Prince Edward (HSHPE) – Rescue Readers Program
This program increases knowledge of animal care, shelters, and pet lives, while fostering empathy and literacy. Students visit HSHPE, tour the shelter, meet animals, and read to them. Pre- and post-visit activities may be included.
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United States (USA)
Animal Humane Society – Rescue Readers
Rescue Readers is a one-hour program for all readers, where participants read to the animals in our adoption centers. Readers provide soothing company to dogs, cats, and critters as they await adoption.
Butler County Humane Society – Shelter Buddies Reading Program
MSPCA-Angell – Tales for Tails (Cape Cod)
Tales for Tails is a joint program between the MSPCA and Centerville Public Library that encourages reading and volunteering among youth (ages 6-12) while providing socialization for shelter animals.
New Hampshire SPCA – Junior Volunteers
Under adult supervision, Junior Volunteers assist with weekend animal care (small animals in the Adoption Center) and other shelter tasks (feeding, cleaning, enrichment). A fee applies.
New Hampshire SPCA – Reading with the Animals
Reading with Animals is open to everyone 5 and older. Bring or borrow a book and read to shelter animals.
Oregon Humane Society – Youth Volunteers
The Oregon Humane Society’s Youth Volunteers (minimum age: 12) engage in activities that directly and indirectly benefit all the animals, including walking dogs, socializing with cats and small animals, and maintaining a clean and healthy environment.
Richmond SPCA – Tales for Tails
The Robins-Starr Humane Center welcomes children of all ages to read to pets in the adoption lobby. Tales for Tails is available whenever the adoption center is open.
Roanoke Valley SPCA – Paws to Read
Paws to Read is a mutually beneficial program where children read to shelter pets, providing companionship and reducing animal stress while improving their comfort around people.
San Diego Humane Society – Kind Classroom
Classrooms can host fundraisers for the San Diego Humane Society in exchange for a certificate and an in-person visit from an animal ambassador.
Santa Cruz SPCA – Community Service Saturday
Santa Cruz SPCA offers community service opportunities for middle and high school students (for a fee). Tasks include shelter maintenance, office work, cleaning, animal enrichment, food preparation, dog walking, and cat care.
Santa Cruz SPCA – Promoting Animal Welfare with Students (PAWS)
The PAWs program, designed with two levels, provides students with opportunities to learn about animals and develop teamwork skills in small group settings.
Santa Cruz SPCA – Rescue Readers
The Rescue Readers program at the Santa Cruz SPCA provides a comfortable and supportive environment for young readers to practice and enhance their literacy skills in the company of shelter animals.
SPCA Serving Erie County – Tales for Two
Tale for Two is a paid reading program for children ages 5-16. Kids read aloud to adoptable shelter animals or SPCA Paws for Love therapy pets, benefiting both the animals (increased socialization, reduced stress) and the children (improved literacy, self-esteem, and confidence).
SPCA Westchester – Homework with a Buddy
Students can bring homework to the SPCA and work alongside a dog or cat in their kennel area. The animals enjoy the company, and the quiet study time can be inspiring.
SPCA Westchester – Playing an Instrument for an Animal
Children are invited to play acoustic instruments for the SPCA animals in the Music Room. This provides a judgment-free practice space, building confidence while entertaining animals who enjoy the attention.
SPCA Westchester – Reading to Dogs and Cats Program
Children can visit the SPCA to improve their literacy skills and confidence while providing companionship to the animals. They may bring their own books or borrow from the SPCA’s reading library.
SPCA Westchester – Rising Volunteers
Children and young adults aged 10-17 have the opportunity to volunteer monthly, with tasks such as making enrichment for the animals, participating in adoption events, and reading to animals.
Off-site Volunteer Programs for Children & Youth
A sample list of off-site volunteer programs for children & youth provided by dog welfare organizations, by country.
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United States (USA)
Best Friends Animal Society – Family Fun
Best Friends also offers kid-friendly activities on their website, such as making a braided dog toy.
Butler County Humane Society – At Home Volunteer Projects
Kids can make simple toys and treats for shelter animals using instructions on the Butler County Humane Society’s website.
Richmond SPCA – Projects for Kids
Children can support the animals by organizing a donation drive for items on the wish list or completing a suggested craft project.
San Diego Humane Society – Kind Classroom
Classrooms can host fundraisers for the San Diego Humane Society in exchange for a certificate and an in-person visit from an animal ambassador.
SPCA Serving Erie County – Independent Youth Projects
The children’s DIY fundraising packet provides fun, creative ideas to help with a donation drive.