Youth Volunteering

Youth volunteers bring energy and compassion to the animals at BMHS. To support a safe environment, youth roles are tailored to age, supervision needs, and training requirements.

Age Requirements

• Under 14: Must be accompanied for the entire shift by a parent or guardian who has completed their own application and orientation. Children under 14 are not eligible for walking dogs.

• 14–15: May walk dogs only with direct supervision from an adult volunteer (18+) who has completed dog-walking orientation.

• 16–17: May volunteer independently in most roles, including independent dog walking, after completing orientation and required training.

Before getting started, youth volunteers and their parent or guardian will complete the required online form and attend an orientation together if a supervising adult is required. At orientation, all volunteers under 18 must submit a parent-signed permission slip for dog walking. After orientation, youth volunteers complete age-appropriate training modules based on the roles they are interested in, with requirements varying by age and position to ensure each volunteer is prepared and supported in their role.

Questions: Email volunteer@bluemountainhumane.org with youth-program questions.