HUMANE EDUCATION

Year-Round Youth Programs at the Shelter

Pet Sitters Class and Pet Helpers Class—Fall & Spring

Offers youth the opportunity to learn how to care for a variety of pets including dogs, cats, reptiles, and small animals!

Kindness Camps—Spring, Summer, Winter

Our paw-some camps for young animal lovers include lots of fun activities and games that explore topics like how shelters help animals, dog and cat body language, and more!  Youth also get to meet some pretty amazing animals and make enrichment items for the shelter!

Kindness Council — All Year

Youth ages 10 and up who have completed at least one EBHS camp or class are eligible to join this unique opportunity to explore ways to help animals in need and put ideas into action to make a difference! Kindness Council 2024-2025 is currently full.

Incredible World of Dogs—Summer

In this special class or camp, youth explore a wide range of topics on all things canine including: breeds, biology, body language, and much more!

Veterinarian and Young Veterinarian Camps—Summer

These unique camps are perfect for aspiring veterinarians and animal lovers ages 7–14. Campers will go behind the scenes to learn about animal intake exams, medical care, behavior, enrichment, and more!

Humane Education Programming Available 

Cost of Humane Education Programs

We kindly ask for a minimum donation of $45 per program hour
(or $5 per program participant) or comparable items from our
Humane Education Wish List below.

We kindly ask for a minimum donation of $40 per program hour (or $5 per program participant) or comparable items from our
Humane Education Wish List below.

Girl Scout and Boy Scout Groups

We offer fun, interactive, animal-themed programming to help area scout troops earn their awards or badges. Programming can take place at the shelter or at your meeting location. The program may include a visit from a member of our Therapy Dog Team (pending availability).

Preschool

We provide offsite educational activities, read-aloud sessions, and dog safety and bite prevention presentations for area preschools. Sessions are approximately 45-minutes in length and can be booked pending staff availability. 

School and Classroom

We offer school presentations and classroom programs covering a wide range of animal welfare topics perfect for groups small and large.  For more information, please contact us! 

RedRover Readers

Our Humane Educator is certified in the prestigious RedRover Readers program, a unique and innovative story-based curriculum that reinforces empathy skills and helps students discuss responsible decisions. RedRover Readers can be presented in one session or in up to five sessions and is ideal for children ages 7-12.

Please make your reservation at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance (or more) of your program date. 

Humane Education Wish List

Here is a list of items that make a difference for the homeless pets in our care:

  • Grain Free canned and dry dog and cat food
  • KMR or other 1st step kitten milk replacer
  • Hot dogs (to use for dog treats/medicine)
  • Cheese Slices or Squeeze Cheese (to use for medication/training)
  • Tuna
  • Peanut Butter (without xylitol)
  • Dog and Cat toys
  • Dog and cat (soft) treats (grain and dye free only)
  • Churu Cat Treats (grain free, lickable)
  • Timothy Hay 
  • Paper towels
  • Disinfecting wipes
  • Bleach
  • Laundry detergent
  • Gift Cards (Target, Pet Supplies Plus)

About Our Education Director 

Sheila Postotnik serves as our Education Director, leading a variety of youth programs at the shelter and in area schools. As a Certified Humane Educator with over twenty five years’ experience working in youth programs, Sheila’s passion is education and outreach. Sheila enjoys creating interactive lessons for a wide range of groups ages pre-school to high school that build empathy, critical thinking, and character development. Sheila strives to deliver programs that allow students to explore the human-animal bond while building on their own thoughts and ideas of how to build a better world for animals.  

Sheila can be reached at sheila@ebhs.org.