We are available to present programs to classrooms, civic organizations and communities throughout St. Lucie County. Education is the key to reducing the number of homeless, sick and abused animals. It is estimated that nearly 90,000 dogs and cats live in St. Lucie County. The health and well being of our pets has a direct effect on residents. Regular veterinary care, vaccinations for illnesses such as rabies, and spaying and neutering our pets must become an expectation for all St. Lucie County animal owners and animal lovers.

We offer the following programs for group presentations. With the exception of the Shelter tour, all other programs run approximately 45 minutes to one hour.

• Junior Vet Program is geared to children ages 6 through 12. This interactive program’s objective is to introduce children to the responsibilities of pet ownership.
• Dog Safety introduces children ages 6-12 to the importance of following basic rules whether they are playing with a familiar dog or are confronted with a stray dog in the community.
• Shelter Tours may be scheduled for groups of 15 to 18 participants (minimum 6 years of age). This 60 to 90 minute program includes an orientation and tour of the Shelter and question and answer opportunities at the completion of the tour.
• Speaking engagements to community groups or civic organizations.

Please note that advanced scheduling is required for all presentations. As available, some presentations may include an opportunity for the participants to interact with a Canine Good Citizen certified dog or a therapy cat. Because allergies can be problematic for some participants, please discuss therapy animal availability at the time of booking.

Teachers, group leaders and others interested in helping children become responsible pet owners may wish to utilize some of the following ideas prior to a Humane Society presentation:

• Ask students to write about or draw a picture of an important animal friend in their lives.
• Collect toys and/or food for the animals at the shelter. Schedule a shelter tour to deliver the items.
• As a class project, find out how many students in your classroom, grade or school own pets. Find out which are the most popular pets in your school. Ask students to bring or draw pictures of pets. Find out how many are spayed or neutered. Discuss what you can do to increase the number of spayed and neutered pets.

If you would like more information about these programs, please contact our Education Director at 772-461-0687. Ext. 229. or send an e-mail inquiry to info@hsslc.org.