Youth Volunteering

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Community Service Hours

Community service hours for school or service learning is a valuable way for kids to “give back” to the community. Because of the large number of students in need of service hours, we are unable to accommodate them onsite.

Please know that shelter volunteers must go through a regimented training process and make a regular, long-term commitment; therefore, we cannot accommodate students wishing to work in the shelter for student service projects.

Students who need a short-term project to fulfill service hour requirements can look at our Do-It-Yourself (DIY) service packets for ideas and further information. You can view our service packets for Dogs, Cats, or for Fundraisers. Please note that an adult will need to complete the Community Event Fundraising form (link) to be eligible to host a fundraiser for the APL.

If you need your service hours signed off on please use this Tracking and Verification Form. When donations are made our staff would be happy to sign off on the service hours and make a copy of the form for APL records.

We do not permit court-ordered community service at the APL.

At the Shelter

Youth along with a parent or guardian and teens who can make a regular long-term commitment may participate in volunteer assignments at the shelter.

Pet Partners (Ages 9-15 with adult partner)

The Pet Partner Program is a wonderful opportunity for children to get involved at the shelter. Volunteers 9-15 years old may volunteer with an adult partner, typically a parent or guardian under our Pet Partners Program. An adult partner must accompany and actively work with/supervise their youth partner in the same volunteer assignment throughout their volunteer experience.

Pet Partners may volunteer in certain assignments that are easy to train such as Dog Enrichment Volunteer or Animal Care Assistant at the shelter. Pet Partner teams are welcome to help in the community for Project CARE. Pet Partners teams may be considered for other opportunities at the discretion of the Shelter Volunteer Coordinator and Volunteer Manager.

Teen Volunteers (Ages 16-17)

To volunteer independently, you must be 16 or older.  Volunteers 16-17 years old will need parental consent on their volunteer application. Teen volunteers can participate in most volunteer assignments. Certain exceptions apply.

Youth Groups

We do not offer youth group volunteer activities, as we do not have a humane educator on staff. Please see service projects under Community Service.

Please complete an online volunteer application if you are a Pet Partners team or teen volunteer to express your interest. The adult completes the application for Pet Partners and teens should complete the application themselves.