Escondido Humane Society: Youth programs at the Escondido Humane Society

A humane educator comes to individual classrooms, grades preschool through college, and teaches a grade and age appropriate lesson dealing with a wide range of humane education topics. Some topics discussed might be: dog bite prevention, (particularly for the younger students), responsible pet ownership, overpopulation of pets (with particular emphasis on the importance of spaying and neutering), and possible careers working with animals. Videos, interactive games, story and art are all used to teach topics. A visit with our shelter animals is always included, school permitting. Contact Ina at (760) 888-2261.

Children ages 2-5 and their parents are welcome to a four-week, 40-minute hands-on animal workshop. Utilizing our most gentle shelter animals, children will learn respect and kindness to all creatures. Games, arts and crafts and music are included. Please contact Ina at (760) 888-2261 for details and a schedule of upcoming sessions.

Children who love animals and are celebrating a birthday are welcome to have a birthday party at the Escondido Humane Society. The Education staff will make the day special by showing you and your guests our beautiful new facility. This is a hands-on party so everyone gets to meet, pet and play with our special furry and not so furry creatures. A private room will be set aside for your use to open presents and have cake, (you provide). Reservations are required.

Time: Two and a half hours, usually on Saturday
Cost: $100 for up to 15 children and $5.00 each additional child
Ages: Two and up

The Education Department works closely with the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, YMCA, and other youth groups to offer programs designed to meet a variety of requests. We also offer camp programs, workshops, and visits to their meeting sites. Youth groups are welcome to tour our facility and complete all requirements for an animal badge.

The Education Department offers high school seniors and college students the opportunity to become an intern and get school credit. Hours and jobs are varied but an appreciation of animals and the ability to work comfortably with children and/or adults is required. A time commitment of at least one semester is also required.

At its most basic level, humane education is about learning to care for the animals in our homes and communities. It is about fostering kindness, respect and empathy for both human and nonhuman animals, and looking after the environment and its diverse habitats. Unlike science and other academic disciplines, humane education has a philosophical component that strives to establish a sense of responsibility and make the world a better, more humane place. - ASPCA