Teen Animal Care Volunteer 2026

2026 Teen Animal Care Volunteer Program

REGISTRATION OPENS NOVEMBER 15, 2025

Teens must be 16 years old to participate in the Humane Society of Broward County’s Teen Animal Care Volunteer Program. For children under 16, we offer a variety of youth programs—some of which allow participants to earn service hours. Please visit our Youth Programs section to explore other ways kids and pre-teens can get involved.

The Teen Animal Care Volunteer Program gives teens the opportunity to assist in either the kennels or the cattery, with primary responsibilities focused on keeping animal living spaces clean and sanitary. Tasks include cleaning cages, picking up waste, and following standard procedures for disinfecting areas. Additional tasks may be assigned depending on daily needs. Teens should understand and be comfortable with these cleaning duties before registering. If these tasks are not suitable, this program may not be the right fit.

2026 Registration Information

• Each 12-week session is limited to 20 teens, and placements are granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Teens may participate in one session per calendar year.

• The program fee is $40, non-refundable, which covers a uniform shirt, badge, lanyard, and background check.

• Teens must be 16–18 years old by the session start date and actively enrolled in high school.

• The teen and a parent or legal guardian must attend an on-site orientation. Other relatives (siblings, grandparents, friends) do not qualify as legal guardians. A mandatory training session follows the orientation; attendance is required to be cleared for participation.

• Teens must agree to a criminal background check, processed prior to the orientation, with parental approval.

• Teens commit to once-weekly, 3-hour shifts for the 12-week session. Same day, same time, same assignment (kennel or cattery). Make-up days are not offered.

• Teens must actively perform their assigned duties. Failure to do so may result in dismissal.

• Cell phones are not permitted on teens during their working shift. This is strictly enforced. 

• Non-performance may result in dismissal from the program.

• Full attendance allows teens to earn 36 service hours.

• Returning volunteers must receive approval from the Animal Care Supervisor and attend all training sessions. The Humane Society of Broward County reserves the right to cancel registration based on past performance. 

• Orientation and session schedules will be sent approximately 10 days prior. Please set calendar reminders for all dates.

Please view all DISCLAIMERS and check the box to agree upon registration.