Humane Education

Cocheco Valley Humane Society is proud to offer Humane Education programs at no cost to anyone and everyone interested in learning more about our shelter and animal welfare.

Presentations are available for in-school sessions for pre-k through middle school students, as well as other youth programs such as scout, church, and 4-H groups. Home schooled students are also welcome. Visits to CVHS can also be arranged and can include program presentations.  Adult and high school classes and organizations can also call to arrange presentations tailored to the needs of their group.

 

CVHS In The Community:

Humane Education helps the community at large learn about humane care and treatment of animals, as well as promotes the human-animal bond.  CVHS focuses on the care of companion animals, animal safety, and the importance of the humane treatment of all animals. The program's goal is to ensure a more humane community for the future.

 

  

 

Children's Presentations:

Please schedule all presentations at least 3 weeks prior to your requested date.

 

For Schools and Organizations

Cocheco Valley Humane Society offers a variety of presentations to students, pre-kindergarten through high school. Our programs are available throughout Dover, Strafford county, southern Maine, year-round! Lessons are based on kindness, compassion, respect, and responsibility. Follow-up activity ideas are provided for all teachers in core academic areas. Programs are available to schools, churches, home school groups, and organizations such as 4-H and Scout Groups.

 

Preschool: Pets and My Family:

Presentations are offered to meet the needs of the individual class. We emphasize pet care and safety around pets in the family environment.

 

Grades K, 1, 2: The ABC's of Pets and Their Care:

This lesson helps young pet owners to understand basic pet care; learn how to be safe around pets and to practice safe behaviors; and to hear about Cocheco Valley Humane Society and how we help animals.

 

Grades 3, 4, 5: Pets and People Good Citizenship Program:

Our lesson focus is to understand the nuts and bolts of family pet care; to learn kind and respectful solutions to problems between people and animals; to learn about Cocheco Valley Humane Society and its work; as well as ways to help the animals served by CVHS.

 

Grades 6, 7, 8: Project Pets: Our Community In Action:

Young people learn about CVHS and its mission, as well as ways they can assist; emphasis will be on the importance of helping others in our community. Students will realize their own capacity to positively influence humans or animals; to analyze situations concerning animals; and make a choice that is safe, compassionate, and responsible.

 

Pet Partners Club:

CVHS is excited to offer a special course to after-school programs! Pet Partners Club is geared to the elementary and middle school child.

 

Lessons utilize a fun, hands on approach and emphasize character building, reinforcing a kind and caring approach to all living things. We want to empower children with a sense that they can make the community and our world a safer environment for both animals and people. A Pet Partners Club Certificate of Completion would be awarded at the end of the course.
 

Each course can accommodate up to 15 students per session. The course will last four weeks with an optional extra fifth week for a CVHS shelter visit, with transportation provided by parents or the school.

 

Adult Presentations:

Please schedule at least 3 weeks prior to the requested date.

CVHS will come to any seacoast area group, organization, church or business. Tailored to your wishes, topics might include: Pet care from poop to nuts!; How to choose the pet that's right for you and your family; Volunteer Opportunities at CVHS; Cocheco Valley: our mission, our work and the needs of the animals we serve.

 

Group Tours: Please schedule at least 2 weeks prior to the date of your visit.

Community groups, both students and adults, are welcome to schedule a tour of the shelter. A short classroom lesson as well as time for questions and discussion will also be provided.

 

To schedule a presentation:

Humane Educators can be reached through the Volunteer and Outreach office at:

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (603) 749-5322 ex. 111

 

To learn about getting started as a volunteer in our Humane Ed program, click here.

 

CVHS also offers community service learning projects for junior high and high school students. Click here for a list of ideas for your project!