For elementary schools we offer Whiskers, Habitats, Bite Prevention, Flash Cats, Basic Pet Care, Animals in Art and What is Animal Cruelty.  We attempt to make all presentations as interactive as possible through audience participation, colored flannel boards, and/or authentic samples.  Some presentations may include the use of overhead transparencies, and/or videos. At the end of every program, audience members will receive informational pamphlets on the material covered.  To find out if one of our programs is appropriate for your group please call Janice at 215-750-3100, extension 34.

Pre K -1st, Whiskers: The story of a cat named Whiskers and its eventual adoption into a new home is told by one of our educators. Using a flannel board, video and student participation, children discover items that are needed to keep a dog or cat happy, healthy, and safe.

K - 4th, Habitats: This program explores what a habitat is, the difference between wild, domestic, and companion animals, and how to safeguard their proper habitats. Flannel board images and/or games may be used. 

K - 4th, Bite Prevention: Seventy-nine percent (79%) of people who were bitten by dogs were bitten by their own dog! Grades K - 2 learn safety around animals by acting out the body stances they must take to protect themselves from being bitten. Grades 3 - 4 learn how dogs are used today, the dynamics of a dog bite, dog behavior (body language), and how to protect themselves from being bitten.

2nd - 4th, Flash Cats: Understanding cat language through facial and body expression is the goal of this presentation. A poem recited at the end of the program allows students to reenact cat body

language.

2nd - 4th, Basic Pet Care: Basic pet responsibility relating to the care, health, and safety of pets is the focus of this program. Students will be able to examine up close different items available for dogs and cats. Discussing the pros and cons of common pet supplies will help promote critical thinking as well as allow students to examine items from the pet's perspective. This presentation may include a video.

2nd - 4th, Animals in Art: Participants will learn how animals have been presented in art throughout the ages. Depending on age level, individuals will discover the ways artists use animals to represent current social climate. This presentation includes an activity where the students create their own piece of animal art.

4th Grade, What is Animal Cruelty?:  What is or isn’t cruel may surprise the students and the teachers. The students will learn about existing animal laws and some legal terminology. They will discover how improper care (small collars, poor grooming) can lead to an arrest, how just watching an animal fight (pit bull/cock) is a felony, and what a cruelty investigator does. Also, the students learn how they can prevent cruelty in their own community.  If there is time, the “puppy mill” problem will also be addressed.  If requested, we will include information on how the public, including children, have a say in creating laws. This concept reinforces the idea that students can inspire change in our laws and communities. (The latter will add 15 minutes to the program.) 

Program fees: At school: $30 per class for up to 35 students. Fees vary for larger groups.

At the Society: $25 per class (includes shelter tour). Groups may not exceed 40 students.