Humane Education Programs at RCHS

Animals are a source of great fascination for children of all ages. Rancho Coastal Humane Society encourages children to share their passion for animals. The Humane Education programs focus on teaching children the importance of proper care and compassion toward the animals that share our world. All of the education programs offered are geared towards embracing children's natural love and curiosity about animals while fostering a sense of respect and kindness for all life.

Do you love animals? Are you too young to volunteer at the shelter? Here are some suggestions and ideas of ways you can still help our adoptable animals. Ways Kids Can Help.

Shelter Tours:

Tours of Rancho Coastal Humane Society are available to groups of all ages. During each tour, guests will get to see shelter animals up close and personal and have special access to areas not open to the public. Tours end with a pet safety discussion and a guest appearance by one of our animal ambassadors. All tours are conducted by trained staff, can be tailored to the needs of individual groups and are provided at no cost. Donations are accepted.

Classroom Workshops:

Free in-class presentations are offered to groups in the community from our trained educational staff. Classes include demonstrations, hands on games and often live animal interactions and are appropriate for single classrooms or large assemblies. Classes are offered during school hours Monday through Friday, can be tailored to any age group, and meet many California content standards. Classes include:

• It's Raining Cats and Dogs: Pet Overpopulation
• Dog Safety
• Be Kind: Preventing Bullying to all Beings
• Responsible Pet Care
• When Dogs Were Wolves: Origins of our Pets
• Shelter Sense

To schedule a presentation please contact the Humane Education Department at 760-753-6413 or email via the contact us page.

Read for Wags:

What has paws and loves books? Our "Read for Wags" pet therapy dog! Using shelter volunteers and their own trained, licensed and insured canine companions, RCHS offers a unique program to help children with reading difficulties. "Read for Wags" offers an animal-friendly way to get kids to read aloud. The "listening teams" of specially trained canines and their handlers provide children with a non-judgmental and supportive environment that makes reading fun! Programs range from small, one-on-one sessions to large assemblies. For more information on our "Read for Wags" program or to set up a session at your site, please contact the Education Department at (760) 753-6413.