Humane Education
Our goal is to teach the importance of compassion and kindness towards animals.
Humane Education
WHS humane education programs are designed to be fun and educational. These include hands-on programs focusing on K-12, such as classroom presentations, shelter tours and service projects.
Classroom topics include:
Classroom Visits
We reach out to the community to help achieve our goal to teach the importance of compassion and kindness towards animals.
Can WHS come to my school? Yes! In addition to the programs at our Division Street Shelter, we can bring our humane education lessons to your educational setting. Our Humane Education Coordinator regularly visits K-12 classrooms in Whatcom County, and we have programs tailored for all age groups, including lessons focusing on issues such as Compassion and Kindness towards Animals, Responsible Pet Ownership, Dog Bite Prevention, Spay and Neuter Education, and Protecting Native Wildlife.
Be a Humane Hero! Each classroom that completes the age-appropriate series of presentations will be gifted stickers for the students as well as a Humane Hero certificate to post in the classroom. These programs are free of charge, and any donations to help with the costs of providing these valuable learning opportunities are greatly appreciated!
To set up a visit or lesson, please contact the WHS Humane Education Coordinator at outreach@whatcomhumane.org or by calling 360.733.2080 ext. 3116.
General WHS Presentation: 45 minutes
A presentation featuring WHS programs and services, the animals we see and why the work we do is so important.
Animals have feelings too: 30 minutes
Includes a short story read aloud followed by a discussion on how to safely interact with an animal.
Dog Safety : 45 minutes
Learn how to be safe around dogs by understanding their body language and learning about their behavior. Discuss safe & unsafe situations and appropriate ways to respond.
Animal Care : 30 minutes
A presentation about animal needs and how they’re not so different from our own! This presentation will cover common pets and will conclude with an open conversation about farm animals vs. companion animals meant to encourage critical thinking.
Spaying or Neutering : 30–45 minutes
We will discuss the estimated 10 million animals that enter shelters every year and how spaying or neutering can help save lives. We will also explore the impacts on shelters and the myths surrounding spaying & neutering.
Intro to Farm Animals: 30-45 minutes
This presentation, combined with a learning activity, is meant to get kids interested in commonly farmed animals and to help kids see these critters in a new light. The learning activity is most fun when kids are able to move around the room, however it can be adjusted so students remain at their desks.
The Puppy in the Window: 30–45 minutes *
Encourages kids to think critically about where pet stores get their dogs, small animals, and birds, and how to tell if a breeder is responsibly caring for their animals. This presentation is meant to encourage greater awareness and critical thought when buying an animal.
Farm Animals: 30–45 minutes *
Introduces kids to the emotional and complex intelligence found across commonly farmed animals. This presentation will briefly discuss the realities of factory farms, the impact on the environment, and introduce possible alternatives to factory-farm life.
* This presentation will include sensitive topics and possibly disturbing images but graphic imagery will not be used.
Responsible Consumerism : 45 minutes *
A presentation meant to encourage critical thinking about common consumer habits. Topics include fur-farming, animals in retail, farming industry, and how to interpret symbols assigned to consumer goods. We will conclude with an open discussion about ideal vs realistic solutions, veganism, and responsible habits as a consumer.
* This presentation will include sensitive topics and possibly disturbing images but graphic imagery will not be used.
Coming Soon: Animal Legislation! Learn about laws created to protect the animals and how you can help.
Caring for Critters Community Service Program
Encouraging groups of children under the age of 12 to perform service projects in their community to benefit homeless animals. Weekly programs, such as Kendall Kids at Kendall Elementary School, incorporate humane education into daily school curriculum and activities.
For more information, please contact us at (360) 733-2080, ext #3116 or outreach@whatcomhumane.org.
Dog Day Afternoon & Reading Buddies Program
Volunteers and their dogs enjoy an afternoon listening to children in the community practice their reading skills. Dogs are great listeners and children don’t feel judged when reading to them. If you are interested in joining our Dog Day Afternoons volunteer team, please contact us by email at outreach@whatcomhumane.org or call us at (360) 733-2080 ext. 3116.
Dog Day Afternoons at the Library
If your child would like to read to a dog, please contact the Whatcom County Libraries at (360) 305-3600 to find out information about the next Dog Day Afternoon.
Critter Camp
Critter Camp sessions take place each year in the spring and summer. These 5-day camps teach young animal lovers (ages 8 to 10) about domestic animal care, farm animals, and local wildlife. During camp sessions, participants will:
WHS understands that some young animal-lovers may not be able to afford the full cost of camp. As such, we have two scholarships per session available to those who need financial assistance. To request more information about the scholarship or the scholarship application, please contact Alaina at outreach@whatcomhumane.org or 360-733-2080 x3116.
View our Events Calendar to see if sessions are available and to sign up.
Workshops
Whatcom Humane Society is proud to offer informational animal-related workshops to the community.
