Let’s learn with the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter (SCCAS) this upcoming Fall 2026! With the support of the SCCAS Foundation, we are very excited to restart the Humane Education program. With a variety of engaging presentation topics ranging from general animal needs to pet overpopulation prevention, students will be empowered with information and community resources. The program primarily serves grades K–5 and can be customized for other audiences. Additionally, the presentations extend beyond the classroom. This experience is designed to promote compassion, responsible pet ownership, and animal welfare through interactive learning experiences for schools, libraries, youth organizations, and other interested community groups.
Personal Connection: We All Have To Start Somewhere!
Growing up, my family and I did not have any cats, dogs, or pocket pets in our household. I remember watching shows with pets, especially canines like Scooby-Doo and Clifford the Big Red Dog, and wondered what sorts of adventures I could have experienced with them. I had a handful of stuffed animals and some friends who had pets in their families for me to occasionally spend time with, but the responsibilities of actual pet ownership was something I had yet to understand. Fast forward to many years later, I found myself working for a veterinary clinic in Sunnyvale. I started as a kennel technician and worked my way towards being a veterinary assistant. There, I learned that pets are almost just like us! They need yearly medical check-ups, dental procedures, and grooming! Even x-rays! The beginning of my time there was not the smoothest, to say the least. Having no furry friends of my own, never being a petsitter, and only having a few experiences of being around pets of family friends, I had no clue what kind of animal behavior I would encounter or how to handle them. A lot of patience, careful observations of animal body language, and the support of my co-workers at the time led to me becoming more comfortable handling the pets of clients. One of my favorite memories was meeting a Rottweiler named Harley. At first, I was hesitant and nervous to interact with Harley. He was big, energetic, and his barks echoed down the hallway. After reading his notes and hearing about his positive interactions with other staff members, I mustered up the courage to take him out for a walk and yard play. Slow is pro. Don’t rush trying to leash him. Open the kennel door slowly. His barks, wiggly body, and even a play bow greeted me. He’s just a big baby, I thought. When we made it to the yard, all he wanted was belly rubs, petting, and treats. A big, goofy pupper. Harley soon became one of my favorite clinic pets and to this day, I have an album on my phone with photos of me and Harley.
Why Humane Education Matters: We Can Learn Together!
As the community’s most comprehensive animal care organization, the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is the only open-door open-intake shelter in the community; we provide a variety of programs and services in the community. One of the valuable offerings SCCAS can provide is educational outreach in schools. Classroom visits for students K–5th grade create meaningful opportunities for children to learn about animals in an engaging and memorable way. These visits often include age-appropriate lessons and craft activities about animal care, safety around pets, empathy, and responsible decision-making. Children may have the opportunity to meet shelter animals, hear stories about rescued pets, and learn how shelters help animals find loving homes. Educational classroom visits can be especially impactful for children who may not have pets at home, like me growing up! These programs provide direct experiences that help students build confidence and understanding around animals. It also helps children overcome fears or misconceptions they may have. Animals can serve as powerful teachers of empathy, patience, and responsibility. When children learn how their actions affect an animal’s well-being, they begin to recognize their own ability to make a positive difference. By bringing these experiences into the classroom, shelters make animal education accessible to all students regardless of their personal circumstances.
Let’s Get Connected!
To schedule FREE presentations from the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter, please visit our Humane Education website (scanimalshelter.org/humane-education) to browse our offerings and submit the Google Form found on the same page.
Pet of the Month
Meet Miss Fame, an adorable puppy with a big personality and an even bigger future ahead of her! Miss Fame is part of a litter that arrived at the Shelter as strays, so little is known about their lives before coming into our care. At first, she was a bit shy while adjusting to the big world around her, but she has quickly blossomed into a confident, playful pup. Like most puppies, Miss Fame is full of energy and will benefit from plenty of exercise, enrichment, training, and love. Ready to add some star power to your family? Come meet Miss Fame today!
