In January of 2014 St. Hubert’s introduced its Teen Animal Welfare Enrichment Program, a week-long experience for at-risk teenagers in recovery for substance abuse. Program participants, 14-18 years of age, from around New Jersey are undergoing residential treatment at Daytop Village of New Jersey.  Daytop provides comprehensive treatment for substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders. The program is a “win” for the students, and for the animals.

One of the favorite components of the 20-hour course is a daily hour long training session with dogs awaiting adoption in the shelter, designed and led by the Behavior Team. The students receive nonjudgmental, unconditional love from the dogs, and immediate positive reinforcement as their training efforts produce success.  They also experience the benefits of working together to help others, while dogs awaiting adoption benefit from the additional socialization and training afforded by the program. Classroom time with presentations and open discussions on animal welfare topics such a factory farming and plant based eating, wildlife interactions, animal sheltering, as well as volunteer activities to benefit homeless animals and pet families in need round out the course.

On the final day of the program, St. Hubert’s and Daytop staff gather to applaud the participants’ accomplishments during a graduation ceremony. Each team performs a training demonstration and talks about their canine partner, sharing information about his/her special individual personality traits, their progress in teaching and their thoughts on why the dog will be a good adoption choice for someone. Each student receives a certificate of graduation from the program, to recognize their efforts. 

St. Hubert’s hopes to expand the Teen Animal Welfare Enrichment Program, which will require additional financial support. We hope to be able to increase the number of participants and create an even bigger impact to inspire at-risk teens to stay strong in their recovery and continue their efforts to be a voice for animals.

For more information, including ways you can help support the Teen Animal Welfare Enrichment Program, please contact us at 973.377.7094 or development@sthuberts.org.