HONOLULU (KHON2) — Teens who care about animals don’t need to wait until adulthood to make a difference. The Hawaiian Humane Society offers several meaningful ways for young people to help care for animals, support their community and learn about animal welfare.
“There’s always a place and a way to get involved,” said Isa Cortina, manager of volunteer services for the Hawaiian Humane Society. “We do have limited roles for juniors, but we really like highlighting our offsite cat adoptions.”
Whether it’s volunteering with a parent at a Petco or joining a youth council to advocate for animals, these opportunities go far beyond cleaning kennels. They’re about growth, service and community.
“We have several opportunities for youth team members to come out to volunteer,” said Brandy Shimabukuro, communications director for the Hawaiian Humane Society. “Some through our volunteer program, some through our education program. And I’m super excited about it.”
The Junior Volunteer Program is for teens ages 15 to 17. Volunteers receive the same training as adults but with age-appropriate supervision. They commit to three hours a week for three months, then eight hours a month. A $15 application fee covers training and the volunteer uniform.
For younger kids, ages 8 to 14, the Adult/Youth Team Program lets families volunteer together. One youth volunteers with one adult to ensure proper supervision. The $45 fee covers both adult and youth training and uniforms.
The Teens4Animals Council is a one-year leadership program for high schoolers. It includes a four-day summer training and quarterly meetings on topics like wildlife conservation and ethical farming. Members lead animal welfare projects in schools and communities.
Students can also do service learning projects off-site, such as fundraising or awareness campaigns. These support the shelter mission without working directly with animals.
Volunteering builds skills, character, and confidence. It helps with school service hours, college applications, and career exploration. For details, visit HawaiianHumane.org/volunteer-with-us.
Here are a few other ways teens can gain experience and explore their skills and talents that are offered by the Hawaiin Humane Society.
Start with offsite cat adoptions
“Anyone from the ages of 15 through 17 can do it with a parent,” said Cortina. “We have partnered with local Petcos across the island; and it’s a great way to get involved with your child, your grandson, anyone in your family.”
Each shift lasts about an hour and involves socializing and caring for adoptable kittens at locations like Petco Kāneʻohe Bay. These volunteers help clean, feed and play with cats waiting for homes.
“Deb and Zach are out at Petco Kāneʻohe Bay about once a week to provide socialization and clean up after the cats,” said Shimabukuro. “These are incredible teams, and it’s a bonding experience for them.”
Look into on-campus opportunities, too
Cortina said that teens can also volunteer on campus, though shifts are longer, usually two to three hours, and focused on enriching the lives of the shelter’s resident cats.
“We have adoptions assistance right now,” said Shimabukuro. “Charles and Archer are incredible. I love seeing them, how active they get with just helping to sort through donations and that sort of thing.”
Join the Teens4Animals Council
The Hawaiian Humane Society selects 20 students each year for its Teens4Animals Council. It’s a year-long commitment and an exclusive leadership opportunity for students who are passionate about animals.
“Our manager of education programs, her name is ANNIE MCRAE (SP: WAITING FOR CONFIRMATION), and she’s amazing,” said Shimabukuro. “Her program, along with Melissa Pontes, who’s based at our Kosasa Family Campus, they administer this really cool program called the Teens4Animals Council.”
Council members participate in quarterly meetings, advocacy projects, field trips and even shadow veterinarians in the surgery suite.
“One of the senior council members from last year just graduated,” said Shimabukuro. “She’s serving her first year in college now, the continental U.S. She is just absolutely, really ambitious. She’s committed to becoming a veterinarian, and she wants to come back and work for the Hawaiian Humane Society.”
While the application for the 2025-26 year has been closed. The application for the 2026-27 year will open in the spring.
Try a service learning project
For students looking for more flexibility, the Society’s education program also supports service learning projects. These are self-led and offsite. Examples include supply drives, awareness campaigns or research projects.
Service learning does not include hands-on time with animals, but it allows students to get creative and work at their own pace. Education staff can provide guidance as needed.
Sign up for Keiki Critters Summer Camp
For younger students, the Keiki Critters Summer Camp offers a behind-the-scenes look at the Society’s Kosasa Family Campus at Hoʻopili. It’s open to keiki ages 7 to 12 and runs in two sessions: July 14-18 for ages 7-9 and July 21-25 for ages 10-12.
Activities include games, presentations and interactions with pets and Joy Ambassadors. Camp runs from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and registration is $250 per child. Scholarships may be available.
Enter the Mission PAWsible art contest
The annual Mission PAWsible contest is open to all students in grades 6-12 living on Oʻahu. Categories include traditional art, digital art, creative writing and 3D art. Each year has a different theme. This year’s theme focused on foster care.
Winners receive a $100 gift card, Humane Achievement Award, Hawaiian Humane Society merchandise and a personal campus tour.
“It’s a way for their children to learn more about animal welfare,” said Shimabukuro. “Maybe this is their, like, foray into becoming a veterinarian later down the line. And we certainly need more of those.”
You can click here to learn more about Hawaiian Humane Society’s teen volunteer programs. You can click here for more information on the organization.
There are many ways for teens to grow their skills, connect with animals and contribute to their community. And there is always more to learn.