Humane education at HSCC cultivates the development of positive relationships between humans and animals by teaching our youth about animals through the lenses of empathy, kindness, and understanding. See below for all of our current humane education programs!

Humane Heroes Workshop

This half-day program (8:30AM-12:30PM) is for kids ages 7-8 and 9-10 who want to learn more about caring for animals both at home and in their community. Each day will be focused around a humane education theme, including Pet Needs, Animal Health, Animal Behavior, The Humane Society, and How to be a Humane Hero. In addition to age appropriate daily humane education lessons, students will be working on mini projects that support pet enrichment and can be brought home to their own pets! Click here to learn more about our newest program!

Camp Paw Paw

HSCC hosts summer sessions of Camp Paw Paw, our humane education camp for children ages 5 through 12. We see the young people of our community as our best hope for a future free of animal cruelty and neglect and aim to foster the natural bond between children and pets. Each camp session will reflect this mission, furthering the campers’ understanding about the animals in our community.

During this special week, children learn about proper pet care, animal safety, and animal-related careers, allowing them to develop the skills and self-confidence to become pet sitters and humane ambassadors. Click here to learn more about our exciting Camp Paw Paw program!

Animal Welfare Warriors 

This elevated learning experience is for 13-15 year olds who are motivated to understand and be active in the world of animal welfare. Participants will see the Humane Society of Chittenden County from the inside and will learn directly from the staff. We will cover shelter medicine, the history of animal welfare, what it takes to run an animal shelter, our community’s needs, open adoptions and the process of taking in animals and caring for them. At the end of this three-day adventure graduates will be able to advocate for animals in need and speak to the role that shelters play in our community. Click here to learn more about this unique program!

Afterschool Animal Care Workshops - NEW!

Our new afterschool animal care workshop program is for 13-15 year olds who are interested in learning all about caring for animals. Animal care workshops are available for cats, dogs, and small animals (guinea pigs, rabbits, and more!). Participants will tour the HSCC building, learn about basic animal care, and will create an enrichment item to take home to their own furry friends. Click here to learn more and register today!

helyn kerr humane education series

Through the Helyn Kerr Humane Education Series, we offer four free seminars a year on various humane education topics that are geared towards adults (though children are welcome!) Past seminars have focused on how dogs think and perceive the world, the latest in feline nutrition, our work in humane investigations and Vermont's animal cruelty laws, first aid for pets, and many other topics. Have a suggestion for a good topic you'd like to learn more about? Email our Director of Volunteer and Community Outreach. Keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for scheduled seminars.

Shelter Tours

If you're part of a community or school group that's interested in seeing our facility we offer shelter tours! We schedule these tours on Mondays, please click here for more information.

Community Presentations

In addition to hosting tours of our shelter, members of our staff are also available to visit schools and organizations to discuss a variety of subjects and topics related to animal sheltering and welfare.

We’re eager to provide age-appropriate presentations in the interest of promoting proper animal care, adoption of shelter animals, and increased awareness of animal welfare issues.

For more information, or to schedule a visit, call our Director of Volunteer and Community Outreach at (802) 862-0135, ext. 14