Education

Shelter Programs

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Shelter Programs

Many kids develop a strong bond with animals. A great way to harness that love for animals is to get involved with animal shelters. At Houston Humane Society we developed multiple programs to engage children throughout their entire childhood. Our programs utilize animals to teach about social-emotional skills and do so in a fun, engaging, and memorable way. To many, there is almost nothing better than spending time with animals in need.
 

Teen Leadership Program

A program which teens focus on creating a positive change for animals. Teens will learn from animal experts to learn about the careers where they can work with animals. They get the opportunity to work hands on with a wide variety of animals, not just cats and dogs. Teen Leaders will find meaningful work helping animals in need rehabilitate, find forever homes, and tell the stories animals cannot tell themselves. This is a 6-month program suitable for teens 13 – 18 years old.
Teen Leadership Program Commitments
  • Attend 2 meetings per month on Sundays at the shelter
  • Volunteer service
  • Fundraising project for the animals of HHS
Perks of the Teen Leadership Program
  • Hands-on experience working with animals
  • Leadership development training
  • Volunteer experience
  • Ability to learn from animal experts
  • Certificate upon completion of the program
Monthly Topics
  • About HHS - October 9th & 23rd
  • Shelter Medicine - November 13th & 27th
  • Individual Projects - December
  • Barnyard Bonanza - January 8th & 22nd
  • Vets in Action - February 5th & 19th
  • Cruelty Investigations - March 5th & 19th
  • Marketing for Change - April 2nd & 16th
Please contact education@houstonhumane.org for more information.
 

Pawsome Readers

The Pawsome Readers Program takes place at Houston Humane Society and is open to kids ages 6 and older. Through this program, kids will read to the animals in our Adoption Center. Studies have shown that reading to animals helps kids gain confidence and improve their literacy skills. As an added benefit, our animals will experience affection from the kids. You can bring your own books or choose from our kid-friendly library.
 
 What's Included in Your Program:
●     HHS Lanyard
●     Pawsome Readers Bookmark
●     Reading Log
●     Volunteer Certificate upon completion of program
●     Access to all reading days, calendar provided at orientation
●     $10 fee for one child, $5 for each additional child
 

Birthday Parties at HHS

Host your child's next birthday party at HHS. Parties will include a party room, hands-on animal interactions, time for games and crafts, & a goodie bag for the birthday child.
 
Birthday Program Includes:
  • 3-hour program for $300
  • 15 kids plus birthday child's family
  • One birthday gift from HHS
  • 1-hour playing and interacting with HHS adoptable animals
  • 1-hour craft (choose from one of the following: cat castles, animal bead keychains, friendship bracelets, or DIY pet toys)
  • 1-hour cake, games, etc.
  • HHS will have Humane Education Volunteers to assist in animal interactions
  • Parents are responsible for bringing decor, food, plates, party favors, etc.
Girl Scout Badges
The Houston Humane Society is a great place to spend a fun day with animals while also earning a Girl Scouts badge! Programs take place on Sundays between the hours of 11 am and 5 pm and cost $15 per scout.
 
Badges Available to earn at HHS:
  • Brownies: Pets
  • Juniors: Animal Habitats
  • Cadettes: Animal Helpers
  • Seniors: Voice for Animals
Group Tours
Book a tour to learn about animal shelters and a chance to interact with the animals. Add on a service project as well as a bonus.
 
Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts
Interested in booking a visit for your Cub Scouts or Boy Scouts? Our shelter tours and humane education programs are a great opportunity to give back to the community and teach the scouts about achieving humane treatment of animals in Houston!
 

Homeschool Field Trips

Our animal shelter makes a great field trip destination for homeschooled children. Our humane education programs can bolster your curriculum and fulfill the need for socioemotional education while introducing your students to some of our awesome mascots. Your visit can cover a range of topics, including lessons on: pet ownership, animal body language, veterinarian basics, and the prevent and investigation of animal cruelty.
 

Questions? Ready to Book?

Contact our Education Coordinator at education@houstonhumane.org or 346-408-4086 to book your school program today.