Pet Safety Club for Children
Humane Education Program from Experts at Columbus Humane
Program Overview
Teachers, parents, homeschool networks, and community groups can choose the experience that works best for them: either visiting Columbus Humane’s animal shelter for an engaging, on-site program or inviting our Humane Education team to bring an interactive presentation directly to their school or group.
animal shelter visit and program
Shelter Tour
Students will take a guided tour of our facility to learn how Columbus Humane works behind the scenes. They'll visit key departments and discover how our team cares for animals, supports adoptions, and helps the community.
Interactive Lesson
Each visit includes a 30-minute, age-appropriate lesson on an animal-related topic of your choosing. This lesson will provide the foundation for the day’s activities and experiences.
Hands-on Activity
Students will participate in a craft or project that reinforces the lesson they just learned. Activities may include making enrichment toys, crafts, and more!
Animal Interaction
Students will safely interact with one of our shelter animals (as appropriate), applying what they've learned in the lesson.
Cost
$250 per group of 25 students.
Fees include all materials, activities, and lesson. Columbus Humane will accept up to 35 students for a single group. An additional $10 per student will be included after exceeding 25 students.
Classroom visit and program
Interactive Lesson
Each visit includes a 30-minute, age-appropriate lesson on an animal-related topic of your choosing. This lesson will provide the foundation for the day’s activities and experiences.
Hands-on Activity
Students will participate in a craft or project that reinforces the lesson they just learned. Activities may include making enrichment toys, crafts, and more!
Animal Interaction
If permitted, students will safely interact with one of our shelter animals (as appropriate), applying what they've learned in the lesson.
Cost
$150 per group of 35 students.
Fees include all materials, activities, and lesson. Columbus Humane will accept up to 45 students for a single group. An additional $10 per student will be included after exceeding 35 students.
Each student will receive a certification of the C.A.R.E. Club Promise and become an official C.A.R.E. Keeper.
Schedule
Lessons are scheduled at the availability of the instructor and the student group. Please contact our Humane Education Team for scheduling: Molly Brindza, fieldservices@columbushumane.org or 614-777-7387 ex. 412.
Humane Education Curriculum
SPARKY: Safe Play and Awareness for Responsible Kids and You
The S.P.A.R.K.Y. program is an interactive, fun-filled course designed to teach children how to safely and respectfully interact with dogs. Dog bite incidents involving children have been on the rise in recent years and most are preventable. This course empowers children with tools to stay safe around dogs, reducing fear, preventing accidents, and helping build healthy, respectful relationships with pets.
Pet Pals 101
Pet Pals 101 is a hands-on course designed to help children become more compassionate and responsible pet caretakers. As pet ownership continues to rise, so do preventable issues related to neglect, poor hygiene, and misunderstanding of animal needs. This course helps bridge that gap by teaching children how to be safe, kind, and helpful pet companions.
Paws to the future
Paws to the Future is a hands-on veterinary-themed course designed to introduce young learners to the exciting world of animal medicine. With more families bringing pets into their homes, it’s essential for children to understand how to care for animals and recognize when a pet may need medical attention. This course builds empathy, responsibility, and early interest in animal health, all while making learning fun.
Empathy and compassion in action
Empathy and Compassion in Action is a heart centered, interactive lesson designed to help young learners understand what it means to be kind, both to animals and to one another. Empathy is a skill that takes root early and it grows stronger with practice. By introducing these concepts through animals, children can begin to build emotional intelligence, develop better social connections, and feel empowered to treat all living things with respect and care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long is the field trip/visit?
Each lesson at the shelter it is approximately 3 hours long, including a shelter tour, interactive learning stations, animal interaction, and wrap-up activities. A class room visit will be approximately 2 hours.
Do students get to interact with real animals?
Of course! Since we are a shelter with a constantly evolving population, we cannot predict what animals we will have at any given time (e.g. puppies, kittens, etc.), but we can ensure animal time each day at camp. The length and frequency of animal time each will depend on a variety of factors such as animal inventory and scheduled activities.
What should students wear?
Comfortable, casual clothes and closed-toe shoes are required.
What safety measures are in place for students around animals?
All animal interactions are closely supervised by trained staff. Students are taught how to approach and handle animals respectfully, and only animals assessed as calm and child-friendly are selected.
Are chaperones required, and what is their role during the field trip?
Yes, we ask that schools provide a sufficient number of chaperones to help supervise and support students throughout the visit. Chaperones are expected to remain with the group, assist with transitions between activities, and help reinforce respectful behavior.
Is there space for students to eat lunch?
We do not provide food. We prefer lunch to be provided by you before or after the course.
What if a student has allergies or specific needs?
Please let us know in advance if any student has allergies (especially to animals or peanut butter) or requires accommodations. We strive to create an inclusive and safe environment for all learners.
What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
We understand that school schedules can change. Please notify us as early as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule so we can best accommodate your class.
Can our school participate in more than one program?
Absolutely! Each program focuses on a different topic, and schools are welcome to schedule multiple visits throughout the school year. We recommend all classes start with our S.P.A.R.K.Y. lesson.
Schedule
Lessons are scheduled at the availability of the instructor and the student group. Please contact our Humane Education Team for scheduling: Molly Brindza, fieldservices@columbushumane.org or 614-777-7387 ex. 412.
