Junior Volunteers
We believe future of our community and what that means for the world of rescue moving forward. When this organization began ten years ago, our founders recognized a need for educating the youth about responsible pet ownership, compassionate care, and the importance of giving back to their communities.
Our mission is to inspire children and teens to become compassionate leaders through hands-on experiences that strengthen family bonds, build confidence, and create lifelong advocates for animals.
Our Programs
Lend a Paw
Mini Paws
Teens
Hands-on mentorship through a tailored service project & community service hours
Ages 5 - 17
Monthly meetings with engaging educational seminars and interactive activities
Junior Volunteers
This program welcomes youth of all ages for monthly meetings that expose animal lovers to a variety of educational topics and interactive activities.
Meetings are typically designed for our younger volunteers (ages 5-12).
Learning Focuses:
Responsible pet ownership
Dog behavior and communication
Animal safety and proper care
The importance or rescue and adoption
Community service and volunteerism
Meetings also help Junior Volunteers develop confidence in public speaking, teamwork, and leadership while giving them opportunities to participate in peer-to-peer education and community outreach.
Many of our Junior Volunteers continue their journey by volunteering at adoption events, assisting with educational programs, supporting community initiatives, and some even foster rescue dogs with their families!
Junior Volunteers get to experience a variety of topics through field trips, guest speakers, and seminars. This includes topics like: working dogs, K9 police units, search & rescue units, animal CPR, and more!
Lend a Paw Program
This program takes volunteering to the next level with a hands-on junior volunteer mentorship experience!
The Lend a Paw Program gives Junior Volunteers the opportunity to work one-on-one with a rescue director to create and complete a personalized service project tailored to their interests, strengths, and community service goals.
Whether students need service hours or simply want to make a bigger impact, this program helps them create a meaningful experience while supporting rescue dogs in need. Projects can be designed around interests like education, fundraising, events, social media, advocacy, animal care, and more.
The Lend a Paw Program empowers young people to turn their passion into action, proving that one dedicated volunteer can make an incredible difference.
Projects may fulfill:
Graduation or capstone requirements
National Honor Society service hours
Religious education service projects
Scout awards and community service
Independent leadership or passion projects
Throughout the program, students gain valuable experience in leadership, project planning, communication, public speaking, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Upon completion, participants receive:
A Certificate of Completion
Signed documentation verifying volunteer and service hours for schools and organizations
Meaningful leadership and volunteer experience to include on college, scholarship, and job applications
The pride of knowing their project made a positive impact on rescue dogs and the community they serve
“I really like what TLC supports and stands for as a rescue, especially the thought they put towards including younger people in the rescue process.”
While participants must register as TLC volunteers, the Lend a Paw Program can serve as the primary focus of their volunteer experience.
Become a Junior Volunteer!
Whether your kid wants to learn more about animals, needs service hours or to fulfill a school project, TLC’s Junior Volunteers has it all.
This is a free program. All interested participants must complete the volunteer interest form below.