The Humane Society for Southwest Washington shelters between 10,000 and 13,000 homeless and abused animals every year but the work we do for the animals and our community extends far beyond the doors of our animal shelter. Through our Humane Education and Outreach programs, we help raise awareness about local and national animal welfare issues and use hands-on, engaging programming to foster a well-educated community that strives to treat all animals with compassion and respect.
We offer a variety of Humane Education and Outreach programs, many of which utilize very special animal ambassadors; so that we may best accommodate the needs of our community. From early childhood programs to summer camps, classroom presentations and facility tours, our programs are designed to engage participants while reinforcing lessons of compassion, kindness and respect.
Please take a moment to read through the current Humane Education and Outreach offerings below. Because our programs vary seasonally, be sure to check back frequently for updated information about our programs and services.
If you have a question regarding our Humane Education and Outreach programs, email us.
The Be Doggone Safe program introduces elementary school students (grades K-5) to the safe and respectful way to meet and interact safely with dogs. With the assistance of temperament approved therapy animals, the program incorporates written, oral, modeling and kinesthetic teaching practices to engage children and facilitate an active learning environment that helps promote safe humane-animal interactions. Programs are conducted in the classroom or school assembly space, are age-appropriate and typically last 45 minutes to 1 hour. Scheduling is on a first-come-first-served basis and may vary seasonally.
The Be Doggone Safe program is offered free of charge but donations are greatly appreciated (for a list of greatly needed donation items, please check our shelter wish list).
To request a Be Doggone Safe program for your classroom, please call our Humane Education and outreach team at 360.241.7152.
Read to the Dogs
The Read to the Dogs program utilizes Pet Facilitated Therapy animals to provide a calm and fun learning environment for school aged children in the height of developing their reading skills (typically grades 1-3 but opportunities for higher grades are available). Our therapy animals visit with students in the classroom or resource/library area and provide a patient, understanding and non-judgmental outlet for kids to practice their reading skills. Our therapy animals are a patient and forgiving audience and do not care if students stammer or pronounce words incorrectly. The Read to the Dogs program encourages each student to practice reading freely, openly and confidently.
The Read to the Dogs program is scheduled on a case-by-case basis and is dependent on the schedules of our Pet Facilitated Therapy volunteers. Visits are typically scheduled on an ongoing basis for the duration of the school year. The Read to the Dogs program is offered free of charge but donations are greatly appreciated (for a list of greatly needed donation items, please check our shelter wish list).
To request a Read to the Dogs program for your classroom, please call our Humane Education and outreach team at 360.241.7152.
Shelter Tours
Behind-the-Scenes shelter tours are perfect for scout troops, school groups, community organizations or anyone who wants to learn more about the day-to-day operations of a high volume animal shelter. Tour groups visit both public and non-public areas of our 30,000 square foot facility and have the opportunity to interact with some of the shelter’s very special residents. Tours cover the history, goals and mission of the Humane Society and give participants a true perspective on sheltering homeless and abused animals.
All tours are conducted on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday between the hours of 1pm and 3pm. Tours last approximately 30-45 minutes depending on the age and size of the tour group.
Tour groups are limited to a minimum of 4 people and a maximum of 15 (including chaperones). Groups larger than 15 individuals will need to schedule separate tours. To help ensure a quality learning environment, we ask that there is 1 adult chaperone per 5 children under the age of 18..
Because we are a non-profit organization, we ask that each tour group provides a donation to the Humane Society in the amount of $5.00 per person (including chaperones) which helps support the animals and provide for further Humane Education and Outreach Programs.
Ready to take a tour? Please call our Humane Education and Outreach team at 360.241.7152. Requests for tours are not guaranteed. An animal shelter is a very dynamic environment and we do our best to accommodate the needs of each group. Tours must be scheduled at least 2 weeks in advance and walk-ins are not accommodated.
Adult Lecture Series
The Humane Society for Southwest Washington is proud to announce it's new Adult Lecture Series. Offered the fourth Thursday of every month, the Adult Lecture Series provides a forum for community members to expand their knowledge base while meeting professional leaders in animal welfare, veterinary medicine, wildlife studies, environmental conservation and more.
The Adult Lecture Series is a free community resource and all lectures are held at the Education and Community room at the Humane Society for Southwest Washington: 1100 NE 192nd Avenue, Vancouver 98684. Registration is not required. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
There currently are no Adult Lecture Series scheduled please check back for updates.
Critter Camp Summer 2011
Campers will be introduced to a wide variety of animal-related topics including dog safety, responsible pet ownership, animal training, veterinary practices and an exploration of careers working with animals. Critter camp combines lessons, activities, guest speakers and animal interactions to help foster kindness and compassion and promote civic responsibility and environmental stewardship. Camp registration fee includes healthy snacks but campers must bring their own lunch. All campers will receive a Critter Camp t-shirt.
Registration will begin in May 2, 2011. Registration is on a first-come-first-served basis and is not confirmed until full payment is received. Camp sessions are limited to 15 campers.
Furry Friends Critter Camp (For kids entering 3rd and 4th grade) One session only: July 11th – July 15th
Animal Adventures Critter Camp (For kids entering 5th and 6th grade) Session 1: July 25th – July 29th Session 2: August 1st – August 5th
Camp applications may be faxed to 360.693.2338 or brought to the shelter. Payment is not required at time of application. Parents/guardians of campers will be contacted within two business days of receipt of application to discuss camp details and answer any questions. Once full payment is received, a confirmation letter will be mailed. Please contact us at education@southwesthumane.org or 360.213.2624 with any questions.
