What is Humane Education?
“Humane Education” is a special type of instruction that encourages empathy, compassion, and respect for people, animals, and the environment as well as recognizing the connection among these. We believe that introducing Humane Education into a child’s life early and often will help ensure a more kind and compassionate future.
Our mission as Humane Educators, is to create a more humane future for our city by teaching responsible and loving pet care and promoting respect and compassion for all living creatures in the hearts and minds of children, teens, and young adults within our community.
What types of programs are available?
Our program menu changes seasonally throughout the year; however the SAHS Humane Education team is proud to offer a variety of programs including spring/summer camps, community outreach programs, educational tours, reading programs, youth volunteer service clubs, and more. Please review the following options for more information on program availability.
Reading Programs
Camps/Youth Programs
Educational Tours and Outreach
Open NOW:
Shelter Helpers Service Club
An extension of our popular Camp Humane program! The Shelter Helpers Service Club is a single-day camp experience for middle school and high school students who are interested in going behind-the-scenes and lending a helping hand around the shelter. Each unique themed session offers campers fun opportunities and a variety of service projects to complete around the SAHS campus. As an added bonus, campers will be awarded up to 5 service hours per session.
Space is limited to 20 participants per session. For additional information, please review the 2023 SAHS Shelter Helpers Service Club Parent Handbook.
Barks and Crafts - January 21, 2023
Unleash your creativity! This session will be full of shelter-themed arts and crafts projects to help our pets have fun and get noticed by potential adopters.
Puparazzi - April 1, 2023
Calling all “Puparazzi!” In this session, campers will have the opportunity to receive a crash course in photography and put their new skills to work by helping us update our pets’ photos.
Mini Camp Humane - Spring Break 2023
Kids in 3rd-5th and 6th-8th grade are invited to participate in Mini Camp Humane during the spring of 2023. Each 2-day Mini Camp Humane session offers a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes at the SAHS and learn about the work we do in the community.
Space is limited to 16 campers per session. Extended care add-on available. For additional information, please review the Spring 2023 Mini Camp Humane Parent Handbook.
Barks and Crafts (3rd-5th Grade) - March 13-14
Get ready to unleash your creativity - this 2-day session will be full of fun pet-themed art projects! Scissors and glue and pawprints, oh my!
Trainer for a Day (6th-8th Grade) - March 16-17
If you’ve ever wondered what your dog or cat is trying to say, this is the camp for you! We’ll learn how to interpret our pets’ behavior and learn the basics of animal training.
Camp Humane - Summer 2023
Campers will have the opportunity to go behind-the-scenes of the SAHS to learn more about its mission and role in the community. We will focus on encouraging empathy, compassion, and respect for people, animals, and the environment as well as recognizing the connection among these. In addition, each camp session will have a unique theme for specialized learning. This program is open to campers in grades 1-12 with select availability for 2-day and 5-day sessions all summer long!
Space is limited to 16 campers per session. Extended care add-on available.
Mini Camp Humane (2-Day Sessions)
For additional information, please review the Summer 2023 Mini Camp Humane Parent Handbook.
Barks and Crafts (1st-2nd Grade) - July 6-7
Get ready to unleash your creativity - this session will be full of fun pet-themed art projects! Scissors and glue and pawprints, oh my!
Paws ‘N’ Play (3rd-5th Grade) - June 5-6, June 29-30
Experience the power of play during this 2-day session. With shelter-themed games and challenges, campers will also have the opportunity to learn about the importance of pet enrichment and playtime.
Shelter Helpers (6th-8th Grade) - June 8-9, July 24-25
Spend two days completing service projects around the SAHS. We’ll clean kennels, prep enrichment, and more! Campers will receive credit for 8 hours of service work for the 2-day session.
Puparazzi (9th-12th Grade) - June 26-27, July 27-28
Calling all “Puparazzi!” In this session, campers will receive a crash course in photography and put their new skills to work by helping us update our pets’ photos. Campers will receive credit for 8 hours of service work for the 2-day session.
Camp Humane (5-Day Sessions)
For additional information, please review the Summer 2023 Camp Humane Parent Handbook.
A Pet’s Journey (3rd-5th Grade) - June 12-16, July 10-14, July 31-August 4
Learn all about a pet’s journey at the SAHS from intake to adoption. Campers will experience firsthand the care and dedication each pet receives while here at the shelter.
Trainer for a Day (6th-8th Grade) - June 19-23, July 17-21, August 7-11
If you’ve ever wondered what your dog or cat is trying to say, this is the camp for you! We’ll learn how to interpret our pets’ behavior and learn the basics of animal training.
