Youth Volunteers:

SafeHaven Humane Society is pleased to offer volunteer oppertunities to youth of our community. Youth volunteers areable to volunteer along side a parent, guardian, or approved family member who will be their partner volunteer. This page will provide you with information on:

• How to become a youth volunteer
• Requirements for adult partner volunteers
• Youth volunteer opportunities

How to Become a Youth Volunteer:

• Youth Volunteers must fill out a volunteer application, that MUST be signed by a parent or guardian.
• Youth volunteers must attend a volunteer orientation
• Youth volunteers must complete "Youth Volunteer Training" with Volunteer Manager.
  

Requirements for Adult Partner Volunteers:

Volunteering with a child is a memorable and unique experience. When you are volunteering with a youth volunteer, you are considered a volunteer yourself. Adult partner volunteers must submit a volunteer application, and attend a volunteer orientation.

To be a partner volunteer to a youth volunteer you must be the youth's parent, guardian, or family member over the age of 21.

Youth Volunteer Opportunities:

Youth volunteers are able to work in the following positions:

Dog Socialization:
SafeHaven understands how stressful the shelter environment may be on an animal. To help overcome this stress, the shelter depends on volunteers to come to the shelter and help give the animals the extra attention needed to feel happy! We have 5 play yards at the shelter for dogs to get out and exercise in. Our goal at SafeHaven is to get each dog out of its kennel and into a play yard a minimum of three times a day. Volunteers play a vital role in accomplishing this goal. Volunteers are encouraged to take dogs into yards to play, work on commands, be brushed, and just loved on! The human interaction that the dogs get through this volunteer socialization helps prevent aggressive behavior, as well depression in the animals.

Cat Socialization:
SafeHaven understands that cats have specific needs that must be met in order for them to be successful in a shelter environment. SafeHaven has a cat room filled with toys, treats, brushes, and windows to help meet these needs. Our goal at SafeHaven is to get every cat out of its kennel a minimum of three times a day. Volunteers are encouraged to let cats out to play, be brushed, given treats, and cuddled! Sometimes all you need to do to make a cat’s day is curl up in our rocking chair with it, and give it some love!

Community Outreach:
SafeHaven believes that the humane treatment of animals applies to the community level. We try to get the animals in the shelter out into the community, and educate the community on what we do! Outreach Volunteers help with taking animals into nursing homes, Petco, and other outreach events. Outreach volunteers commit to a once or twice a month schedule.

Fundraising and Events:
SafeHaven is a non-profit organization that receives no public funding. We run solely on donations and fundraising efforts. SafeHaven depends heavily on volunteers to make fundraising events a success! Having youth volunteers at fundraisers and other events helps the members of our community to see what a difference young people can make in the lives of animals. At the events youth volunteers can perform a variety of tasks including handling animals, helping with event activities, and setup/tear down of the event.. Being a fundraising and events volunteer is a great way to get involved without committing to set weekly schedule.