The San Antonio Humane Society is excited to introduce the Shelter Helpers Service Club, an extension of our popular Camp Humane program. The Shelter Helpers Service Club is a single-day camp experience for middle school and high school students who are interested in going behind-the-scenes and lending a helping hand around the shelter. Each session offers campers the unique opportunities and a variety of service projects around the SAHS campus. Some of the opportunities may include preparing enrichment for our pets, preparing kennels for new incoming pets, beautifying SAHS grounds, and more! As an added bonus, campers will be awarded up to 5 service hours per session.
Shelter Helpers Service Club Parent Handbook
Program Dates
Please check back again after the school summer break
Sign Up/Register Today
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register?
Registration for the Shelter Helpers Service Club is now open. All registration and payment is handled online. To register, please click HERE. Please contact the Humane Educators by emailing
education@SAhumane.org or call (210) 226-7461 ext. 136 or 140 if you have any questions.
How do I know my registration was successful?
You will receive an automated confirmation email once your completed application forms and payment are received. If you do not receive confirmation within 5 business days of submitting paperwork and payment, please contact the Humane Educators at
education@SAhumane.org or 210-226-7461 ext. 136 or 140.
What is included in my registration fee?
Your registration includes a single-day admission to the Shelter Helpers Service Club. This includes guided behind-the-scenes access and specialized activities between the hours of 9:00 AM-2:00 PM each day. Registration also includes a camper t-shirt. Participants will be awarded five (5) service hours upon completion of the program.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations made no later than two (2) weeks prior to your scheduled session will receive a full refund. Cancellations made within two (2) weeks of your scheduled session will be subject to a 50% cancellation fee. Sessions may be rebooked whenever possible; however, rebooking is subject to availability. Each rescheduled reservation will be subject to a $10 rebooking fee.
At the discretion of the SAHS, your program may be cancelled due to events including but not limited to inclement weather, low enrollment, electricity or water issues, or any other unforeseen circumstances. In the event that the SAHS cancels your session, a full refund may be issued.
How has COVID-19 impacted Shelter Helpers Service Club?
The San Antonio Humane Society is dedicated to providing a safe and fun environment for all of our guests. In order to provide this experience safely, the SAHS is limiting the number of program participants to accommodate social distancing as recommended by the CDC. Our facilities will be deep cleaned prior to and immediately following the program. Parents are asked to monitor their child for any symptoms of COVID-19 each day, prior to attending the program. Additionally, face masks are strongly encouraged to be worn on campus at all times, unless eating or drinking, by program participants, volunteers, and SAHS staff. Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, including volunteers and staff, will be asked to stay home.
What if my child gets COVID-19 before the program?
Should your child be diagnosed with or exposed to COVID-19 and their scheduled session falls within their designated quarantine period, please contact the SAHS Education Team immediately to discuss your options. You may email
education@SAhumane.org or call (210) 226-7461 ext. 136 or 140.
What will my child be doing throughout the day at Shelter Helpers Service Club?
Participants of this program will have an opportunity to go behind-the-scenes of the SAHS and will be engaging in several service activities including but not limited to, cleaning kennels and crates, preparing newspapers to line puppy kennels, preparing pet enrichment, and more! Activities may vary by session and schedules are subject to change. For the safety of your child and our pets, no participant will be permitted to handle any pet while attending the program. Any animal interaction will be led by and under the supervision of a SAHS staff member. It should be noted that while this program takes place at the San Antonio Humane Society, your child should not expect to spend the entire day working with pets.
What should my child bring with them on the day of the program?
Each participant will need to bring their lunch in a lunch box or disposable bag and a reusable water bottle that is clearly labeled with their name. Please note that refrigerated space is not available. It is also strongly encouraged that each participant wear or bring a face mask.
What should my child wear to the program?
Participants should wear their camper t-shirt, closed-toe shoes with rubber, non-slip soles, and pants or shorts of at least knee-length. Participants will receive their volunteer t-shirt upon arrival to the program and will be allowed to change into their shirts in the bathrooms. Please keep in mind that some activities throughout the day may cause damage to your child’s clothing. Clothing or headwear containing images of violence, profanity, or discrimination are not permitted.
What is the difference between the Shelter Helpers Service Club and becoming a general volunteer?
At this time, the SAHS does not have an opportunity that calls for volunteers under the age of 16. General volunteers must be at least 16 years old and must have a signed release form from a parent in order to volunteer. People who are interested in becoming a general volunteer must attend an orientation and are subject to a background check for those who are 18 years of age and older. The Shelter Helpers Service Club is an opportunity designed with our younger guests in mind! This single-day camp allows us to conduct a safe, structured, and supervised opportunity for those who are too young and/or cannot commit to the general volunteer program. As an added benefit, participants of the Shelter Helpers Service Club may transition into the general volunteer program once they are of age.
What are the acceptable age groups for this program?
This program is available to children in grades 6-12. Once your child has graduated from high school or has turned 18, they are no longer eligible to participate in the Shelter Helpers Service Club and may register to become a SAHS General Volunteer, beginning at 16 years of age.
Can my child get COVID-19 from the dogs and cats at the shelter?
According to the Center for Disease Control, “In the United States, there is no evidence that animals are playing a significant role in the spread of COVID-19. Based on the limited information available to date, the risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is considered to be low. However, because all animals can carry germs that can make people sick, it’s always a good idea to practice healthy habits around pets and other animals.” We will continue to have participants sanitize hands after animal interactions.
Who can I contact if I still have questions?
For additional information, please contact the Humane Educators by emailing
education@sahumane.org or calling (210) 226-7461 ext 136 or 140.
