PCAS Teen Program

Welcome to the Pinellas County Animal Services Teen Program. We’re pleased you’ve chosen to apply and take a step towards your future as a leader in our community.

The Teen Program is designed to give youths a sense

of pride and ownership through volunteering and preparing you for a future role within the workforce. Pinellas County Animal Services is seeking responsible teen volunteers to assist in Animal Services with Leader Volunteers to help with Dog Walking, Cat Socializing, Clerical, Photography and more. We’ll have speakers on various animal related topics throughout the programs and will build on many skills that will help you succeed in the future – whether you choose to be in animal services or any other field. The goals of the Teen Program are to:

• To prepare teens in our community for future leadership roles within school, community, and future professional opportunities
• To create a sense of motivation to succeed and teach the importance of drive and determination in professional fields
• To develop  invaluable skills necessary in the work force
• To grow as responsible young adults and develop respect for the work force and what is needed to succeed

Currently, three different programs exist throughout the year for those in of high school age to earn community service hours that meet school requirements while learning how to professionally interact with staff and citizens. Teens provide a great deal of support to the animals of Pinellas County Animal Services. A few of the responsibilities of these positions include socialization of our dogs and cats, attending trainings and special speaking events, and assisting staff and citizens in animal adoptions! 

      
Pinellas County Animal Services partners with its volunteer force to fulfill its mission of public safety, public health and animal welfare. The Teen Programs allow teens to take part in fulfilling this mission while also learning those essential capabilities it takes to be a leader in future career paths. Each year our programs get bigger and better thanks to great volunteers and staff that make it happen. Interested in joining this award winning team? Check out the three program options below, fill out a volunteer application and join THE PACK!

Please complete the Volunteer Application. Once you submit the Volunteer Application, you will receive a contact, by e-mail or telephone from the Volunteer Coordinator with specifics on the relevant upcoming youth programs. Please bring the forms “Why I want to Apply ” and a Letter of Reference to the appointed orientation.

Teen Program Options

The Teen Programs are designed to prepare teens for future leadership roles, create a sense of motivation and teach invaluable skills that will enable them to grow into responsible young adults. Volunteer hours completed at Pinellas County Animal Services fulfill the requirements for many community service projects. Each teen receives training to complete their assigned volunteer position, has the opportunity to attend additional trainings and, upon completing their community service hours, will receive a certificate of appreciation for all of their hard work and dedication. Space is limited so please submit your applications for these programs as soon as possible to get the best chance at being selected.

• School Year:  We realize the busy schedules teens carry during their high school years and so we have limited this program to juniors or seniors in high school as well as existing summer or Spring Program participants. Interested volunteers are required to commit to a minimum of two hours per week during the school year. Teens may commit to the entire school year or part of it depending on their individual community service requirements and the needs of Pinellas County Animal Services.

• Spring: The Spring Program is a great short term alternative and can be completed in conjunction with either of the other programs. Teens must be at least 15 years of age at the start of this program to qualify. Participants from the Spring Program may also, even if not qualifying as juniors or seniors, participate in the School Year Program. Interested volunteers are required to commit to 9 hours per week. This is either 3 hours in the AM or 3 hours in the PM 3 days a week. You will be asked to provide a schedule and commit to those dates. You will also need a Letter of Reference to be considered for these positions. This program begins on the Monday following the start of Spring Break and concludes the last Friday of Spring Break.
  

• Summer: Summer affords teens extra time for those additional responsibilities the school year may not have provided. Participants must be at least 15 years of age at the start of this program to qualify. Participants from the Summer Program may also, even if not qualifying as juniors or seniors, participate in the School Year Program. Interested volunteers are required to commit to 9 hours per week for the summer, excluding scheduled vacations. This is either 3 hours in the AM or 3 hours in the PM 3 days a week. You will be asked to provide a schedule and commit to those dates. You will also need a Letter of Reference to be considered for these positions. This program begins on the second Monday following the start of Summer Break and concludes the first Friday of August.

PCAS has the following goals:

• Preparing teens for future leadership roles within their school, community and future professional opportunities.
• Creating a sense of motivation to succeed while teaching the importance of personal drive and determination for a successful future.
• Teaching invaluable skills that are necessary in today’s workforce such as interpersonal skills, the importance of rules and regulations, personal responsibility, respect for others, customer service and a sense of pride in one’s work.
• Fostering animal stewardship by demonstrating the highest quality treatment and respect toward all animals. 

“The mission of PCAS Teen Program is to provide opportunities for teens to grow as future leaders by training and working with our PCAS staff and volunteers throughout the year.”

If, at any time, you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Animal Services Volunteer Coordinator at (727) 582-2600, Option 7 or email us.

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