Humane Education teaches kindness, respect and responsibility for people, animals and the environment.  St. Hubert's Humane Education strives to foster humane attitudes in youngsters by exposing them to animals and sensitizing them to their needs.  Children who embrace a healthy respect for animals are more inclined to transfer these caring attitudes toward all living things - including the people in their lives.

Girl Scout Leaders:  Four of our programs work towards Try-its Badges & IPA's!

Why is Humane Education Important?

Humane Education is an important tool in the campaign to alleviate animal suffering and can help children grow into caring, compassionate human beings.  Humane Education counters the images of violence that bombard youngsters every day.  Studies have shown that cruelty toward animals can lead to violent behavior toward people.  This link underscores the importance of humane teachings for the benefit of animals and people.

Scheduling a Presentation

Presentations are available Monday - Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m and should be scheduled at least a month in advance.  A maximum of 40 students is permitted at each presentation, except for the ABC series, which are limited to 20

Program Fees:

Sept. - Dec.: $45 for groups of 15 or fewer; $3 per child for groups greater than 15

Jan. - Aug.: $65 for groups of 15 or fewer; $5 per child for groups greater than 15

There is an additional $20 travel fee for any program at your site

ABC Series:

ABC's of Animal Safety      Pre-K - K

Nearly half of all American children will be bitten by a dog at some point in their lives.  Sometimes dogs and cats give us a "green light" to play; other times they give us a "red light."  Do you know the difference?  The educator will use stuffed animals and appropriate props to illustrate these very important signals.  Please limit class size to 20 children.

ABC's of Cat Care                Pre-K - K

How do we properly care for cats?  Do we give them Cheerios for breakfast?  Do cats wear pajamas to bed every night?  These and other important questions are answered as the students take part in a prop-driven discussion on how to properly care for a feline companion.  Please limit class size to 20 children.

ABC's of Dog Care                Pre-K - K

Student's participate in a fun, hands-on discussion on the proper care of dogs.  The educator will demonstrate necessary equipment but may get things "a bit mixed up."  Children are encouraged to correct the mistakes to reinforce the lesson.  Please limit class size to 20 children.

For Older Children

Cats and Dogs;  A Lesson in Caring        K - Grade 2

How precisely do you properly take care of a cat and a dog?  The educator leads this fun and interactive discussion and encourages students' imaginations by using a stuffed dog and cat to help demonstrate the proper equipment needed to care for these pets.

Make Kindness Contagious                    Grades 1 - 3

Teaching students how to respect and be sensitive to the needs of animals will help them grow into caring, compassionate adults.  Following a reading of The Lorax by Dr. Seuss, students participate in a discussion exploring the benefits of kindness, compassion, and respect for all animals, people and the environment.

Dogs, Cats, and Kids:
Learning to Be Safe With Animals         Grades 1 - 3

Every year, approximately 4.7 million people report being bitten by dogs.  Most of these incidents can be prevented.  This clear and simple video teaches children the importance of safety around pets.  Key points covered include:  how to handle and play with pets, how to read dog and cat danger signs, and how to  behave when threatened by strange animals.  The subsequent discussion enhances the video. 

Paws, Claws, Feathers and Fins                Grades 2 - 5

This lively video with upbeat songs will help students understand the needs of dogs, cats, birds, and fish.  Topics include: the reasons for having a pet, the steps in selecting the right companion animal for you, the costs involved in pet ownership, proper care and training.

Exploring Dog Senses                                Grades 2 - 5

Do dogs and people communicate the same way?  How is a dog's world different from our own?  How is it the same?  Students explore the dog's world and how a canine uses its senses and body language.  By learning how a dog communicates with people and other dogs, children become better able to interact safely with canines.

Rabbits, Ferrets, and Rodents....Oh My!        Grades 2 - 5

Did  you know that the teeth of rodents continue to grow throughout their lives?  And it's true that rabbits live in something called a hutch!  Through a fun and interactive discussion, students will explore the unique requirements and rewards of owning some of the world's tiniest pets.

Best Friends                                                Grades 4 - 8

Dogs are wonderful companions and many canines are trained to assist people with specific tasks.  Students will learn about the amazing skills performed by search and rescue, therapy, and service dogs.  Pet overpopulation will also be discussed.

Dog Behavior Seminar                                    Grades 5 - 12

Students learn how and why dogs behave the way they do through an in-depth discussion of dog breeds and communication.  Following the discussion, students also have the opportunity to put their new knowledge of dog behavior to the test by observing the behavior and interaction of real dogs.  This program lasts for 90 minutes.

The Feline Phenomenon:
Myths, Legends and the Truth                        Grades 5 - 12

Did you know that cat behavior was once used to predict the weather?  Or that the ancient Egyptians would shave off their eyebrows to mourn the death of a beloved cat?  Students learn these and other amazing myths, legends, and truths about the history of the cat as well as its physiology and behavior through a lively discussion and fascinating video.  This program lasts for 90 minutes.

Exploring Pet Overpopulation                            Grades 6 - 8

What is pet overpopulation?  How fast do puppies and kittens multiply and what happens to these animals?  Shelters exist because there is such a large population of unwanted pets, and the students will explore the issue of spaying and neutering as one of the solutions to the pet overpopulation problem.

Careers with Animals                                        Grades 9 - 12

Through interactive discussion and audience participation, students learn about the many career choices available to those interested in working with or for the benefit of animals.  They will become familiar with the prerequisites and duties for each of the following positions: kennel attendant, veterinary technician, veterinarian, adoption counselor, humane educator, volunteer coordinator, book keeper, front desk clerk, animal control officer, cruelty investigator dog trainer and groomer.

St. Hubert's Humane Education Department can tailor the classes listed above to the unique needs and interests of your students or organization.  Several humane education classes may be taught in a customized series to further enhance student learning.  For older students, we offer an intensive, full day study in humane education and animal welfare.  For more information on creating a customized education program, or to schedule a presentation, please contact the Humane Education Department at 973-377-8877 or email info@sthuberts.org.