Can I volunteer at a local animal shelter?

I want to volunteer at a local animal shelter, but can't?

• Well, I really want to volunteer at the closest animal shelter in my state (MA) It's in Worchester. But I can't because the website said, you must be 18 years old to handle animals, and 16 or 17 to clean feces from cages, but with Parental guidance. Im only 13. And I want to know, why can't a 13 year old volunteer at an animal shelter? Would it possibly be just this one that won't except me, and other shelters would? (If so does anyone know were I could do volunteer work at an animal shelter near Worchester, MA?) Or is it just the fact no child under 18 can volunteer at an animal shelter? PLEASE HELP?!?! Honestly, I just want to volunteer at a shelter :(

• Answer:

  There are probably safety and/or legal liability reasons why they can't take volunteers under 16. A lot of different charities have similar restrictions. They may also feel that a 13 year old may need more supervision than they want to give - that they'll be spending more time supervising young teens, and the work the young teens will accomplish aren't worth the supervisory investment. I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of animal shelters have similar age restrictions.