Want a job to help animals?

Question

I am 13 and live in skokie IL I want to volunteer in a shelter but all shelter I look at only hire people 16 and older. does anyone know of an animal shelter near by that would hire a 13 year old?

Answer 1

You might consider volunteering with a rescue group for their adoption days - for example, when they go to a Petsmart and have several dogs there hoping to be adopted, I usually see preteens holding the leashes and taking them out for potty breaks.

Answer 2

Most shelters wont even allow someone to volunteer until they're 18, because the jobs are hard and emotionally straining. You see things at a shelter that most 13-year-olds couldn't handle seeing, honestly. You may be different, but the rule is made for the general public.

If you like horses, try volunteering at a stable if you have one near you. If you don't find anything though, don't give up. Stick with it, and even though you may just have to wait until you're older, don't lose your passion for animals, the world needs more young people like you!

Answer 3

Why would you have to be 16 to volunteer? You are not being paid...or hired.....animals in shelters need a lot of love...they need you...so keep trying..

Answer 4

Sorry to say but that isnt going to happen till you're atleast 16 :(. Maybe if you own a dog or cat you could bring it to where old people live (retirment home) on the weekends if the dog is gentle enough and you get permission from you're parents and that place.

Answer 5

Instead of trying to find a shelter now, you might be able to pet-sit until you're old enough (it will be experience you can put on a resume!)

Good luck.

Answer 6

LIL Dude, Ive worked at a shelter..wasnt what I thought it would be...I love dogs but I couldnt stand to see them dragged to ther death. they would take them to a room and give them a shot. they would die, then I had to fill these metal drums with dead dogs, a truck would pick them up. I was told the dogs were turned into fertalizer...I quit less then a week.