High School Volunteer Programs

No one is more cherished in this world than someone who lightens the burden of another.  Thank you.  ~Author Unknown

Our shelter generally requires one to be 18 years of age or older to qualify to volunteer. However, we are able to extend the opportunity and privilege of joining our shelter cat or dog volunteer teams to mature, responsible, enthusiastic, and highly committed young adults.

This important responsibility includes spending valuable time with shelter cats or dogs, assisting with their direct care, introducing them to potential adopters, and being available to answer the public’s questions.

The high school volunteer program provides youth with great opportunities to learn more about cats or dogs, help the animals at our shelter, meet other teens interested in companion animals, and explore animal related careers. The program fosters skills in personal accountability, animal handling, and inter-personal communication.

Qualifications and Training
We are looking for mature and enthusiastic 9th – 12th grade students who demonstrate:

  • Respectful and thoughtful communication with fellow volunteers, staff, clients, and animals
  • Safety and responsibility with strong listening skills – the ability and commitment to follow multiple directions and work independently in a adult environment
  • Commitment, following-through on the required time obligation of at least 10-hours each month during regular shelter hours for at least 6-months
  • Generosity, embracing the array of responsibilities associated with animal care and with being a contributing member of a team
  • Kindness and compassion, treating all animals and other volunteers with patience and understanding

The volunteer training courses are designed to screen and prepare students for continued and independent volunteer work in our shelter. Students who successfully graduate the course, which is based on demonstration of the above qualifications as well as attendance of all required training classes, will make their own volunteer schedules, permitting them to volunteer throughout high school.

Cat Volunteer Program
Tuition for the training program is $90*
Class meets for three weeks, with two separate programs offered (listed below)
Attendance at all three training classes is required (sorry, no “make-ups”)

High School Volunteer opportunities will resume in October.  Please sign up for our mailing list by emailing humaneeducation@sfspca.org with your contact information to receive updates on registration in the Fall. 

 Dog Volunteer Program
Tuition for the training program is $90*
Class meets for three weeks
Attendance at all three training classes is required (sorry, no “make-ups”)

High School Volunteer opportunities will resume in October.  Please sign up for our mailing list by emailing humaneeducation@sfspca.org with your contact information to receive updates on registration in the Fall. 

 * Tuition fees go towards our training classes and help to off-set the costs associated with staffing and materials. Thanks to generous donations and tuition, The SF/SPCA, a non-profit organization, is able to offer a variety of engaging educational and volunteer opportunities to our community's youth.

Financial aid and scholarships are available to qualified applicants.

How to Apply
Download an application now and fax or mail back. Pre-registration and payment are required, as space is limited.