shelter working age

[dab_20]

how old do you have to be to work/volenteer at shelters?

[bckrazy]

It depends on the shelter... my SPCA is 16 & up. If you're under 18, you need parental permission. Some shelters, especially state or city-owned, require only 18+. Some I've seen actually allow 14+, with training, and of course there are restrictions on what animals a 14 year-old can handle and what they can do.

[animal_rescue]

Mine is 18+ because there were to many people treating the Humane Society like a baby-sitting service, they do make acceptions for our Catholic School because it requires the Freshmen to have a certain number of Volunteer Work and they are allowed there. I also know they do allow selected people under 18 that they know, I am one of them. I'll be 16 in Oct.

[dab_20]

cool cuz i will be 14 in march. i hope thats what they allow!:)

[Giselle]

My local animal shelter allows any ages from 10 and up as long as there is a parent *actively* cooperating with the child. I stress "actively" because the shelter requires that the parent is working with the child and dog. Most SPCA's require parental supervision for teens aged 16-18. From 18+, the volunteer does not need a parent or guardian.

[k9krazee]

My shelter is any age but if you are under 18 then you need a parent. I was so frustrated because I am 16 (almost 17 ;) ) and the only day my mom and I could go volunteer was on Saturdays, and most Saturdays I have something planned with my Scout group. The shelter directly told me that they would love it if I came in more and gave me permission to come in without a parent. Now I'm there as much as I possibly can :D But yeah, check it out with your local shelter!

[luvofallhorses]

16 here and if younger you need a parent to be with you. :) I would say if your local shelter lets you volunteer with one or both of your parents there with you. It's VERY rewarding!! :) It makes you feel so good that words are undescribeable how you feel! :D

[Suki Wingy]

the youngest without constant parental supervision for voulenteering around here is 16, but most are 18, that's why I can't.

[dab_20]

yah thats why i want to work at a shelter! it feels so good that you are helping an animal that cant help its self :)