Humane Education
Free humane education programs for schools
Our humane educators visit classrooms and school assemblies to teach kindness to animals, responsible pet care, and how to stay safe around dogs. We also share free lesson plans and activities for teachers and parents.
No cost to schools
Always free
Our classroom programs and assemblies are offered free of charge, thanks to the support of NHES donors.
Kindergarten–5th grade
About 45 minutes
Our standard interactive program is designed for elementary students and lasts around 45 minutes.
We come to you
Schools near Charles Town
Classroom programs are offered to schools within about a 90-minute drive of Charles Town, WV.
Programs for kids, schools, and groups
Every program is hands-on and age-appropriate, and many include a visit from one of our friendly, Canine Good Citizen-certified dogs.
In your classroom
Classroom programs
An interactive lesson for a single class, tailored to your grade level and the topics you want to cover.
For the whole school
School assemblies
A larger presentation for multiple classes or grade levels in your gym, cafeteria, library, or auditorium.
Beyond the classroom
Career days, scouts & clubs
We visit career days, scout troops, and after-school clubs to share how people help animals.
What students learn
Lessons in kindness that last a lifetime
Humane education teaches children to care for animals, understand their needs, and treat all living things with respect. You choose the topics you’d like us to focus on.
- Dog bite prevention
- Reading dog body language
- How to meet a new dog safely
- What pets need
- Responsible pet care
- Animal careers
- How animal shelters help
- Kindness to wildlife
“We enjoyed a wonderful presentation today. The children learned about the important work animal shelters do for our community, how to tell if a dog is happy or scared, and how to pet a new dog!”A teacher after an NHES classroom visit
Invite us to your school
Request a free humane education program
Fill out the form and our Humane Education team will follow up to confirm the details. It helps to include a few possible dates, your grade level, and the number of students.
- Free for schools and youth groups
- Designed for kindergarten through 5th grade
- Classroom programs within about a 90-minute drive of Charles Town, WV
- Let us know if a certified therapy dog is welcome at your school
Questions? Email mhessenberger@nhes.org.
Program request form
Free lesson plans and activities
Classroom-ready humane education activities for teachers, homeschool families, scout leaders, and parents. Each one builds compassion, responsibility, and respect for animals.
Dog Bite Prevention Role-Play3rd–7th grade
Goal: Learn how to stay safe in common situations involving dogs.
Paper Plate Habitat1st–8th grade
Goal: Understand that every animal has habitat requirements that must be met in order for the animal to survive.
Animal Career Dress UpK–3rd grade
Goal: Be able to describe four careers that help animals.
Race for Safety1st–6th grade
Goal: Understand that some common household items can be harmful to dogs.
A Parked Car Is an Oven2nd–8th grade
Goal: Understand the dangers of leaving a pet in a hot car.
Adoptable Artwork4th–12th grade
Goal: Recognize that shelter animals are individuals deserving of loving homes.
Dogs and Cats of the World3rd–8th grade
Goal: Learn that all breeds of dogs and cats have an origin and history.
Build a Bird NestPre-K–6th grade
Goal: Learn about bird nests by building their own nests.
Humane Skits4th grade and up
Goal: Learn to make informed decisions when faced with common situations involving dogs and cats.
How to Strike a Match1st–8th grade
Goal: Understand that not all dogs are the same, and that before adopting a new dog, a household should first determine that the dog they are adopting will fit their lifestyle.
Birdcatcher4th grade and up
Goal: Recall the definitions newly-learned words regarding animals.
Humane Quotes5th–12th grade
Goal: Understand new ideas about compassion.
Children’s books about animals
Our recommended reading lists help children learn about pet adoption, caring for animals, and protecting wildlife.
Brochures, posters, and Pet First Aid guides
We offer free educational brochures, classroom posters, and Pet First Aid Pocket Handbooks. Online ordering is paused while we set up shipping, so for now please email mhessenberger@nhes.org to request them.
Our roots
What is humane education?
Humane education teaches people to accept and fulfill their responsibilities to companion animals and all forms of animal life. It encourages children and adults to see the value of every living thing and to make kind, responsible choices.
It’s why NHES exists. Since 1948, our mission has been “to foster a sentiment of kindness to animals in children and adults.”
For educators and advocates
Humane education in U.S. schools
Several states have laws that address humane education or the humane treatment of animals in public schools. See which states and what their laws say.
Animal welfare news
Stay informed about new laws and legislation that protect animals across the country.
California Steps Up to Stop the Puppy Mill Pipeline
February 14th, 2025 Paws Up! To Governor Gavin Newsom for signing AB 519 into law, pumping the breaks on animal brokers across the state of California. Commercial animal breeding facilities, dubbed "puppy mills" by popular culture, have been increasingly criticized by...
Pennsylvania Pushes for Companion Animal Rights in Divorce Court
February 14th, 2025 Paws Up! To the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the resounding support of House Bill 97! In the modern day, we see our companion animals as more than just loyal guardians of livestock or hunters of mice- we see them as true members of our...
Florida Fights to Defend Animals with Statewide Animal Abuser Registry
In the past few decades, the number of individuals who recognize their companion animals as a core member of their family continues to grow. We know that they have complex needs and sensitive feelings, just the same as ours. One
Frequently asked questions
Is there a cost for a humane education program?
No. Our programs are free for schools, thanks to the generosity of NHES donors.
What ages are the programs for?
Our standard program is designed for kindergarten through 5th grade. Let us know your students’ ages when you request a program and we’ll tailor it to them.
How long is a program?
Our standard interactive program lasts about 45 minutes.
Do you bring a dog?
Many programs include one of our Canine Good Citizen-certified dogs, if your school allows it. Just let us know on the request form.
How far do you travel?
Classroom programs are offered to schools within about a 90-minute drive of Charles Town, WV. If you’re farther away, contact us at mhessenberger@nhes.org to ask about other options.
Can teachers use your lesson plans for free?
Yes. All of our lesson plans and activities are free to use in your classroom, homeschool, scout troop, or at home.
Bring kindness to your classroom
Invite our humane educators to your school, or support free programs for more students with a donation.