Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Houston Humane Society! We love welcoming caring young volunteers who want to help animals feel safe, loved, and ready for adoption. When youth volunteer with us, they become part of a compassionate community where they can learn responsibility, build confidence, and make a meaningful difference — all while working safely alongside trained adults and staff. Because safety is our top priority, there are a few guidelines to make sure both our youth volunteers and our animals have the best possible experience. Volunteer Roles: Our youth volunteers support our mission in ways that are fun, supervised, and meaningful: • Cat Interaction – gentle play and companionship to help cats relax and feel confident • Dog Walking – guided walking and enrichment to support exercise and socialization • Community Outreach – helping share our message at events • Light Support Tasks – simple activities that help our programs run smoothly (Assignments depend on age, safety considerations, and staff guidance.) 🐾 Age Guidelines (What youth volunteers can do) We structure opportunities by age so everyone stays safe and comfortable. Accompanied by parent or legal guardian -Companion Volunteers (Ages 10 - 11) Dog Walking with the guardian handling the dog Cat Interaction Community Outreach - Dog Walker Trainees (Ages 12 - 15) Dog Walking with the minor handling the dog and the guardian leashing and unleashing the dog An accompanying adult volunteer must remain close enough to step in immediately if needed. - Junior Dog Walkers (Ages 16 - 17) Dog Walking with the minor handling, leashing, and unleashing the dog An accompanying adult volunteer must remain within sight. The minor must demonstrate appropriate competency, as determined by HHS staff. Dog-handling competency must be approved by HHS staff Does NOT require a parent or guardian - Independent Teen Volunteers (Ages 16 - 17) Cat Interaction Community Outreach / No Animal Handling - Adult Volunteers (Ages 18+) Dog Walker Administrative Community Outreach with Animal Handling For everyone’s safety, staff may adjust privileges if concerns arise. Parent/ Legal Guardian Participation To volunteer, minors must: 1️⃣ Have this youth application submitted 2️⃣ Have a parent/guardian create their own volunteer profile and a profile for the youth volunteer 3️⃣ Attend in-person orientation together 4️⃣ Parent/guardian completes a background check if volunteering alongside the youth Our goal is teamwork — adults help create a safe, supportive environment while youth learn and grow. How to Get Started Step 1: Complete this application. Step 2: We’ll review your eligibility based on age and role. Step 3: You’ll receive instructions for orientation and next steps! We’re excited to welcome your family into our volunteer community — together, we help animals thrive. 🐾