EDUCATION
Our goal is to teach the importance of compassion and kindness towards animals.Our goal is to teach the importance of compassion and kindness towards animals.
May is Be Kind To Animals Month! Learn more about how you can be kind to animals of all kinds here.
Critter Camp
This 5-day camp will teach young animal lovers (ages 8 to 10) about domestic animal care, farm animals, and local wildlife. During this camp, we will:
- Meet and interact with a variety of animals, large and small!
- Gain a better understanding of animal behavior and our relationship with the animal world.
- Meet WHS staff and animal experts in the community
- Learn what it takes to be a responsible pet owner
- Participate in fun animal-themed crafts and games
- Learn fun facts about our furry, feathered and scaled friends!
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.
Dog Day Afternoons at the Library
If your child would like to read to a dog, please contact the Whatcom County Libraries at (360) 305-3608 to find out information about the next Dog Day Afternoon.
In addition to our programs at Whatcom Humane Society, we can bring our humane education lessons to your educational setting. We have tailored programs for all age groups with 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. These programs are free of charge; however donations to help with the costs of providing these valuable learning opportunities are greatly appreciated.
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; however 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.
All Grades
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.
Grades PreK - 2
Animals have feelings too: 30 minutes
Includes a short story read aloud followed by a discussion on how to safely interact with an animal.
Grades 3 - 5
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.
Grades 6 - 8
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.
Grades 9 - 12
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.