In many communities across the state of Massachusetts, there have been many questions about youth involvement in local welfare organizations like the MSPCA- Angell, an organization gaining a lot of interest. Many animal shelters are facing challenges such as high intake numbers and the continuous need for support. Many are asking and wondering, should teenagers be able to help? 

Urgent Need for Helping Hands

Many shelters work around the clock and rely heavily on support from the community and from heavily dedicated volunteers. The MSPCA has stated in recent years that their “shelters have been overflowing with animals that are in need of care and then adoption.” Having a lot of hands-on help is crucial for daily operations. 

There are many benefits to teens when they volunteer. Some of these benefits include skill development, mental and emotional health, and a sense of purpose. Teenagers gain valuable life skills, including responsibility, time management, and problem-solving, which are all highly valued.

 Animal interaction has also been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and blood pressure, helping teens’ overall well-being. This gives young people a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and career exploration. For those interested in veterinary medicine or animal welfare, this offers opportunities to learn. 

Negative Challenges

While there are clear benefits, there are other considerations. Work can be emotionally draining, give exposure to sick and hurt animals, and sometimes difficult outcomes will follow. Structured, supervised programs protect both the young volunteers and the animals.

Many programs require volunteers to be at least 16 to work directly with the animals. However,  many offer junior programs for kids ages 11 to 15. “This is a structured staff-led program. Participants can assist with age-appropriate chores under direct supervision,” says the MSPCA staff. All volunteers, especially young ones, receive training and work under experienced staff to ensure safety. 

Win for Community

Teens present an important, passionate, and capable potential workforce for local animal shelters. Young people can make an important difference in their local community by helping animals find their forever homes. Many teenagers passionate about animals find the opportunity to help a local shelter as a chance to transform lives both the animals and their own.