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 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!

[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