Humane Society’s Adoption Ambassador Program Offers Community Service Hours for Participating Teens

The Humane Society of Broward County’s Adoption Ambassador Program has placed over 650 animals since inception. The program is similar to foster care, but goes a step further.

Adoption Ambassadors provide temporary homes for select pets, which will be spayed or neutered and vaccinated before arriving in their temporary homes. All food and supplies needed to care for the pet are provided. But unlike foster families, Ambassadors help maximize their pets’ availability and exposure.

Each dog leaves with a bright colored “Adopt Me” vest so that while they’re in parks and other pet-friendly venues, the public will see that the pet is looking for a forever home. Ambassadors can also “market” the pets through social media, going to events, making flyers and posting at work, and networking with their friends and family.

According to Cherie Wachter, VP of Marketing at the HSBC, “We get to work with amazing families who are dedicated to finding the perfect home for their Ambassador pets.  As more people join and become Adoption Ambassadors, the more dogs, cats and rabbits we can help.  I encourage anyone who loves animals and wants to make a difference to get involved.”

Teens in need of community service hours must complete one successful adoption experience before school service hours can start to be accumulated. After that, teens can participate and earn their required high school community service hours by partnering with a parent and becoming a Teen Adoption Ambassador.

Teen Ambassadors earn three hours for every day the dog is at their home. In addition, hours can be earned for walking an Ambassador Dog in public with their “Adopt Me” vest on; attending weekend events; making and hanging signs; promoting Ambassador pets through social media; and making phone calls and sending emails.

For teens who can’t have a pet in their home but still want to help the Adoption Ambassador program, service hours can be earned by becoming a Teen Adoption Ambassador Advocate. Advocates spread the word about the program in by hanging posters, setting up education tables at events, presenting to church and school groups and by using social media.

A parent or guardian must attend an adult shelter volunteer orientation in order for a teen to participate.  Call volunteer services at 954-266-6814 or email lfreeman@hsbroward.com for more information.

Author: Amanda Jones
Author: Amanda Jones

Amanda Jones specializes in social media marketing. She holds a Master's degree in Social Media Management from the University of Florida and a Social Media Professional Certificate from the University of Miami.

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