Shelter Scouts
Experiential learning and service opportunities for ages 8-17 at our Oakland and Dublin campuses.
Shelter Scouts is an immersive opportunity where youth develop empathy, compassion, and a deeper understanding of animal welfare through hands-on, on-site programs. Our Calico Crew (ages 8-11), Rover Recruits (ages 12-17), and Animal Welfare Advocates (ages 12-17) programs are intentionally designed to meet the developmental needs of each age group.
Sessions are guided by our Humane Education team––no parents or guardian supervision required.
1-day modules | Saturdays or Sundays | 1.5 hours | $50/module
Calico Crew explores animal care through games, crafts, and supervised meet-and-greets with shelter pets. Participants can join one or multiple modules. Each module will include safe, supervised, hands-on animal interaction.
3-week sessions | Saturdays or Sundays | 2 hours/week | $100/session
Older youth have the chance to deepen their understanding of animal sheltering through shelter tasks, animal socialization, enrichment prep, and more. Each 3-week session features new content, activities, and animal interactions. Youth are encouraged to enroll in multiple sessions to continue building skills and experience.
4-week sessions | Saturdays or Sundays | 2 hours/week | $0 registration fee, thanks to generous grant funding!
New this year, this hands-on program is designed to empower older youth to become changemakers in animal welfare. Over four weeks, participants will explore how they can support animals and their communities through direct action, advocacy, and education. The program blends shelter tasks, creative projects, skill-building, and community organizing to create a meaningful and impactful experience. Participants will develop tangible skills, build confidence in their ability to create change, and establish a deeper connection to animal welfare and community activism.