Humane Education | Pet Outreach
Over the years, humane education volunteers from the Santa Fe Animal Shelter & Humane Society have visited most Santa Fe schools and presented to more than one thousand students in pre-, elementary, middle and high schools. We offer a variety of options strictly geared to teacher schedules and, in some cases, specific teaching objectives.
By teaching children compassionate behavior toward all living creatures from an early age, they can become positive role models in their homes, schools, and communities!
Want to schedule a presentation or a shelter tour for your group? Call Humane Education Coordinator Tom Alexander at (505)988-8980. (If a dog answers, don’t hang up.) “The students were completely taken in by [Humane Education and Pet Outreach dog] Schubert. Even the children afraid of dogs were eager to pet him. Schubert moved around giving each student time to sink his or her hands into his fur. Tom rounded out the visit with an interactive lesson on pet care perfectly calibrated to the experience-level and conceptual abilities of our young participants. The visit was a huge success, and we look forward to having them back to meet with other classes.” Sarah Heartt, Salazar Elementary
“Kids & Critters is an amazing program that even held the attention of my 3-4 year-olds. Thank you for providing a positive learning experience that instills the importance of love, care and respect for pets and all living creatures.” -Aurelia Hernandez, Ramirez Thomas Headstart
“Your ability to present the facts to my classes with discernment for the age and tone of the class was truly remarkable. My kids responses, discussions and reflections on your presentation clearly indicated that you were able to touch the minds and the hearts of my students. My kids were able to address their own thinking, ideas and beliefs and question in a safe environment with truly caring people! That is true learning.” -Laurie Hansen, Capshaw Middle School Classroom Presentations Options and Complete Flexibility These programs are available individually or in combination, depending on your objectives and time available. The “Shelter/Animal Care 101” presentation followed by a tour is a great combination, but if you only have time for one – no problem!
Shelter/Animal Care 101 One-hour basic presentation, including an overview of the shelter, animal overpopulation, pet care, the adoption process and an interactive exercise demonstrating how the needs of people are similar to those of our four-legged friends.
Community Service Classroom Projects Many classrooms have been the focus of class projects to donate towels, blankets and food to the Shelter. We’ve also supported poster and art projects that are displayed in schools or at the Shelter. At the conclusion of the project, we present a class certificate and a special thank you from the animals.
Shelter Tour This is a perfect follow-up to the basic presentation. In 30-45 minutes, the students will see the lessons of the classroom presentation come to life.
We’ve presented to a lot of kids... Schools Acequia Madre
Agua Fria
Alameda
Alvord
Capshaw
Carlos Gilbert
Cesar Chavez
Chaparral
Devargas
Eldorado
EJ Martinez
Kearney
Mariposa Montessori
Nava
NM School for the Deaf
Ortiz
Ramirez Thomas/Nye Bilingual
Salazar
Santa Fe High
Santos Niños Catholic School
Sweeney
Turquiose Trail
Willow
Wood Gormley | Other Groups Boys & Girls Clubs
Brownies
Children’s Home Study
Citizen’s School at Devargas
Cub Scouts
Dragonfly Preschool
Family Resource Center at Agua Fria
Garcia Street Preschool
Girls, Inc.
Girl Scouts
Holy Cross Preschool
La Petite Preschool
St. John’s Preschool
Temple Beth Shalom |
Community Presentations Whether your organization is a fellow non-profit, a fraternal organization, a church group, or something else entirely, we’re always happy to come and give a talk on the shelter or any animal issue. To find out more or a schedule a talk, cal 983-4309 x139. Tours
Do you work in animal welfare? Maybe your community group wants to know more about how a shelter works. Or you’re someone who just wants to know about the shelter in your community. Whatever the reason, we’re always happy to set up a tour of the shelter and give you a behind-the-scenes look at what we do. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 983-4309 x139.
Roots & Shoots
In partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute’s Roots & Shoots program, SFAS&HS founded our Youth Board in 2006. Young people work on Shelter programs and are ambassadors for the Shelter. By figuring out ways they want to help and then implementing them, kids learn early on that they can make a difference in the lives of animals. For more information or to be a part of this group, call Tom at 988-8980 or Emily at 988-1670. 
Pet Outreach
About Pet Outreach
Pet Outreach Dogs: A Unique Teaching Opportunity
Every week more than 40 Pet Outreach volunteers and their dogs visit hospitals, nursing homes, and retirement communities. These dogs are selected and certified for their calm behavior and loving nature. Their presence brings joy to children in hospital rooms and people in nursing homes. The special connection between animals and people is rich in teaching moments and unique stories from our Pet Outreach volunteers.
Reading Program
Reading to Dogs
Our newest program helps children with reading difficulties. The relaxed, nonjudgmental atmosphere created by the dog’s presence often enables a child to improve reading skills and gain confidence. We are certified by READ (Reading Education Assistance Dogs) run by Intermountain Therapy Animals. For more information, email petoutreach@sfhumanesociety.org. Back to top | 
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