When registering for an Animal Care Teens program, be sure to select "Animal Care Teens 2022-2023" before continuing - NOT "Youth Programs 2023"
We have two unique options for teens to volunteer here at FWACC. One program is called Animal Care Teens and the other is Teen Buddies. To learn more, please read below.
ABOUT ANIMAL CARE TEENS
Animal Care Teens (ACT) is a program put together by our Humane Education team that allows teens ages 13 to 17 to help the shelter pets, earn volunteer hours, and learn about Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control. This is a great opportunity for teens to be involved in the shelter until they are old enough to volunteer at age 18.
- ACT is held one Saturday a month at the shelter 3020 Hillegas Rd from 10 a.m. - Noon
- Registration is a $20 donation per session that goes towards funding our donation based Humane Education programs.
- Each 2 hour session will include a tour of the shelter, making enrichment treats for the animals and meeting/socializing adoptable animals!
- Sometimes we do offer special months where teens can learn from a professional in an animal related career. Our most popular special month is our veterinary experience where teens get to watch a real spay and neuter surgery on kittens performed by our veterinarian. We will post about when these experiences will be offered.
REMAINING 2023 VOLUNTEER SESSIONS
From 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Sat. Nov 11, 2023 - FILLED
SPECIAL SESSION
Job Shadow a Veterinarian and Vet Tech at FWACC!
When: Thursday, December 28 and Friday, December 29 either from 9:30 to 10:30 am OR 10:45 to 11:45 am. Please only pick one date!
Who: Grades 9th – 12th
Where: Fort Wayne Animal Care & Control’s triage and surgery suite 3020 Hillegas Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46808
What: Students who are interested in a career in veterinary medicine may learn from FWACC’s very own Veterinarian and Vet Tech as they watch animals get prepped for surgery and watch actual spay and neuter surgeries on cats and/or dogs. Students are encouraged to ask questions along the way. This is also a great opportunity for students to include on their future resume once it is time to apply for college.
Price: $30 donation to the Humane Education Department
Scroll to the top of the page to register.
Disclaimer:
It is important that your child is able to fully participate in each activity. We will not have alternative activities planned for each session. Since we are an animal shelter, each teen should be prepared to possibly be in loud areas of the building with smells that could be unpleasant to some and seeing animals in undesirable conditions.
We do not allow parents to stay during the session due to a lack of space and staffing. The only time we allow adults to stay is if the child needs assistance to perform the activities from a parent or therapist.
No-show/Cancellation Policy:
Due to an increase in the number of no-shows per session, teens who do not show up to TWO sessions without notifying education staff will not be able to register for ACT programs for three months. We have a very long waitlist for each session and want to make sure that we're reaching teens who are interested in attending.
A full refund will be issued to anyone who notifies staff at least 48 hours in advance of each program. Cancellations within 48 hours of the program will not be refunded.
The Animal Care Teens inclement weather policy is as follows:
If the Mayor declares a snow emergency on a scheduled ACT meeting, the Animal Care Teens will also be cancelled.
ABOUT BEING A CAMP TEEN BUDDY
Another way for teens to volunteer at the shelter is being a teen buddy for our summer camps! Summer camps run for 6 weeks in June and July. Your teen can choose to volunteer for one week of camp or all six weeks if it is a great fit.
Teen buddies are a crucial part in making our camps successful. They help the children become more comfortable at camp, assist with crafts, games, cleaning, and make sure the campers are behaving properly around their peers and the animals.
*OUR 2023 SUMMER CAMP TEEN BUDDY SPOTS HAVE BEEN FILLED*
Questions? Contact our Humane Education department at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
or call (260) 427-5508
