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Our Teenternship Program is designed for motivated teens ages 15 to 17 who are passionate about animals and eager to get involved in meaningful, hands-on volunteer work. This opportunity gives young volunteers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to care for animals in a shelter environment while helping them build skills in responsibility, teamwork, and animal care.
Teenterns are an important part of our daily operations, and while the work can be physically demanding, it is also deeply rewarding. Participants will primarily be trained in closing and cleaning routines, with opportunities to cross-train in other areas like kennel cleaning, donation sorting, and laundry support. This is a great introduction to the world of animal welfare and a valuable experience for anyone considering a future in veterinary work, animal rescue, or nonprofit service.
This assignment counts for school community service hours.
Under 18 Volunteer Rules:
Under 18 Volunteer Rules:
To ensure that the program remains impactful and accessible to those most committed, participants are expected to:
Be between the ages of 15 and 118
Volunteer a minimum of 4 hours each month
Self-schedule shifts using our volunteer platform
Attend scheduled shifts consistently - missing more than three shifts without properly notifying staff may result in forfeiting your place in the program due to high demand.
Whether you're looking to fulfill service hours, explore a future career, or simply want to make a difference, the Teenternship Program offers a meaningful way to contribute while learning and growing alongside our dedicated team.
We look for teens who are dependable, enthusiastic, and willing to pitch in where needed. If that sounds like you, we’re excited to welcome you aboard!
3 Strike Policy:
3 Strike Policy:
Similar to Adult Volunteers, Youth Volunteers must appropriately cancel their shifts. If less than 24 hour before shift the Volunteer Manager must be emailed.
If notice is not appropriately given ahead of time or if Youth Volunteers arrive late or leave in the middle of a shift they are marked down and after three "strikes" are suspended from volunteering for two months. At which time they are to email the Volunteer Manager to ask to be re-activated.
Closing Procedures require three volunteers. When volunteers schedule shifts and do not show up for them it leaves us with less help and it takes away opportunities from the people that haven't been able to schedule a shift.
Youth Volunteers are to stick together throughout the shift and all stay until the tasks are completed in each area.
If you must leave early it needs to be communicated to the staff.
HHS Junior Board
HHS 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.
Interested youths can email our Humane Education Program Manager to apply.
Our under 18 teenterns can work in the following areas:
Our under 18 teenterns can work in the following areas:
Cat Kennel Cleaning (SOP) and must complete this AM Teenternship Checklist which gets signed by staff at the end of the shift.
Closing/Cleaning Procedures (SOP) and must complete this PM Teenternship Checklist which gets signed by staff in each area.
Opening/Laundry (SOP)
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