OHS Humane Education Programs
The OHS offers a number of programs, including the Humane Education School Program, Leadership Education with Adolescents and Dogs (LEAD), Adult Pet Education, and Shelter Tours.
Humane Education School Program
A successful school program has been delivered by the Ottawa Humane Society for many years to students. The Humane Education School Program (JK-8) consists of presentations to classes on a variety of animal welfare topics and responsible pet ownership. In addition, Dog Buddies is offered, a popular grade one and two bite-prevention partnership program between the City of Ottawa Public Health Department, and the Ottawa Humane Society.
Visits are conducted on request from the teacher or school. A two-member team of volunteer humane educators is available Monday through Friday during regular school hours. Each presentation lasts approximately one-hour and includes a corresponding video (if possible), and safe 'hands-on' introduction to a temperament tested staff owned dog. In addition, a comprehensive package of related material is left behind for the teacher and students.
The Humane Education School Program includes the following topics:
- KINDERGARTEN & GRADE 1:"Let's Learn About Cats and Dogs"
The students will learn about responsible pet care and the needs of cats and dogs. - GRADES 1 & 2: "Dog Buddies" (Video - Bite Free: Playing it Safe with Dogs)
The students will learn how to safely approach a dog and explore bite-prevention tips through role-playing scenarios. - GRADE 2: "Your Growing Cat"
The students will learn about the physical and behavioural life stages of cats. A focus on the special needs of senior cats is also explored. - GRADE 3: "Are You Ready for a Pet?"
The students will learn about factors to be considered before choosing a pet. A pet survey and graphing activity are also done about the students' pets. - GRADE 4: "Too Many Cats and Dogs"
The students will learn about the importance of spaying and neutering cats and dogs to control the population problem. - GRADE 5: "Creating a Pet-Friendly Community"
The students will learn how to be responsible pet owners by providing for a pet's needs and respecting animal control by-laws in the community. - GRADE 6: "Welcome to the Ottawa Humane Society" (Video - The Power of Compassion)
The students will learn about the role of the Ottawa Humane Society in the community. In addition, the topic of animal neglect and cruelty will be explored. (PowerPoint Presentation.) - GRADE 7: "Circus Animals: Entertainment or Exploitation?" (Video – The Plight of Performing Animals)
The students will learn about the reality of circus animal cruelty. In addition, the topic of animal-free circuses will be discussed. (PowerPoint Presentation.) - GRADE 8: "The Ugly Truth: Cosmetic Testing on Animals"
The students will learn about the cruel reality of cosmetic and personal care product testing on animals. Humane testing alternatives are also examined. (PowerPoint Presentation.)
FEE: The Humane Education School Program charges a fee of $30 per presentation to cover administrative costs.
*NEW: We are pleased to announce the launch of our High School Program which promotes respect and empathy toward people, animals and the environment! By reaching today’s youth, the OHS hopes to increase critical thinking about responsible pet ownership, and promote involvement in animal welfare to ensure a brighter future for animals in our community. Each hour-long PowerPoint presentation includes a visit with one of our temperament-tested dogs (optional) and supplementary hand-outs for students. There is a $30 fee per presentation.
Topics include:
- Animal-Related Careers
- The students will learn about various hands-on, customer service and administrative/managerial animal-related careers.
- Understanding Animal Cruelty & the Link to Interpersonal Violence
- The students will learn about animal cruelty and how it’s addressed by the OHS. In addition, the link between animal cruelty and interpersonal violence (spousal abuse, child abuse, elder abuse) will be explored.
- The Role of Canadian Animal Welfare Legislation
- The students will learn about Canadian animal welfare legislation at the federal, provincial and municipal levels.
- Co-existing with Urban Wildlife
- The students will learn about urban wildlife conflicts as they relate to human intrusion and habitat loss. In addition, the role of government responsibility at the federal, provincial and municipal levels, problems with live-trapping/relocation, dealing with orphaned animals, and humane wildlife prevention tips will be explored.
Information about School Program volunteer opportunities is available.
What Teachers Have to Say
"Humane Education presentations will help students to become responsible pet owners and responsible citizens." (Blossom Park Public School)
"It is really important for children to understand safety rules around animals, and how to treat their pets with respect and a caring attitude. It carries over to their relationships with their family and friends." (Century Public School)
School Membership
The Ottawa Humane Society’s Humane Education Program offers an annual School Membership (September - June) for $35. As a member, your school will receive the following benefits:
- A Membership Certificate to display in your school
- OHS “Best Friends” newsletter four times per year
- One free humane education class presentation (worth $30)
- One free shelter tour (one class only)
To apply, please download the School Membership Form (PDF document).
Classroom Pets: Guidelines for a Humane Relationship
Keeping a classroom pet should be an effective and educational experience. However, it must be well planned to provide an on-going learning opportunity for those involved. Attitudes that are generated, whether positive or negative, will mirror a child's reaction toward other animals in the future. Please read the following suggestions for a successful and responsible encounter.
What animals make the most/least successful classroom pets?
The most suitable classroom animals (in order of preference) are guinea pigs, gerbils, rabbits (older grades/large habitat) and domesticated rats and mice. Hamsters are the most unsuitable as they are solitary, nocturnal animals, followed by turtles because they can spread salmonellosis. Before making your selection, research possibilities to determine which animal best suits your environment.
Is a classroom pet a part-time responsibility?
NO. The OHS encourages the teacher to adopt the classroom pet as his/her own, and to care for the animal for the duration of its life. However, if this arrangement is not possible, a teacher must find a suitable caretaker for the animal on non-instruction days, and in the case of a teacher's absence due to illness.
Children should not be allowed to take a classroom pet home for weekends or holidays. Although this gesture is well intentioned, this practice disturbs the animal's routine, and infers that a pet is a part-time responsibility.
What potential environmental hazards does a classroom pet face?
When the school is closed at the end of the day (and classroom pets are left behind), thermostats are often turned down. As a result, temperature fluctuations may cause distress and illness for the animal. In addition, weekends and holidays pose a problem when the classroom pet is unattended for longer periods of time. In this case, a teacher must ensure that adequate provisions are made. Arrangements should also include the safe evacuation of the classroom pet in fire drills.
What can a teacher do to ensure proper handling of a classroom pet by students?
Improper handling is one of the most serious consequences of keeping a classroom pet. In their excitement, children may squeeze or grab an animal, or drop it by accident. As a result, a classroom pet may develop temperament problems that could result in biting if the animal is stressed, injured, or frightened. Teachers need to set interaction rules and should be present whenever a classroom pet is handled. In addition, a classroom pet should receive a period of time when it is left alone during the day. Also remember to inform parents before adopting a classroom pet, in case a student is allergic, and instruct the class about necessary hygiene habits.
Where should a classroom pet be kept?
Space requirements will vary according to the type of animal, and may range from a small counter spot to a large hutch on the floor. Locations should be free from drafts, have access to natural light (not direct sunlight) and should be away from heavy traffic areas. In addition, since a classroom is stressful for an animal, it should be kept in a stationary location that includes a dark, private space in the cage to rest. The cage should also be within the teacher's view.
What should a teacher do if a classroom pet becomes ill or dies?
Caring for a small animal is more complex than many people realize. Most of these creatures require special diets and living conditions to satisfy their physical and emotional needs. For example, we often assume that rabbits should eat lettuce on a daily basis without knowing that it can cause stomach discomfort. In a hectic classroom, it can also be difficult for a teacher to notice symptoms that are often diagnosed too late. Furthermore, not all veterinarians are familiar with treating small mammals. Teachers need to secure a potential veterinary contact in advance of placing an animal in the classroom.In addition, a sick or dying animal can upset children and create a deep sense of loss. As a result, some teachers feel that it's a good idea to find another pet immediately. However, this gesture suggests that animals are easily replaced commodities. A discussion of the animal's death is important and therapeutic. Children need to experience the full spectrum of life's pros and cons as it relates to animal and human life.
What should a teacher do with a classroom animal when the school year ends?
A common and overlooked problem with having a classroom pet is pressure on the teacher to display attitudes and behaviours consistent with concepts he/she wants to communicate. For example, if a teacher gives the animal away, he/she demonstrates that animals are disposable, to be cast aside when no longer needed or enjoyed. If possible, the teacher should adopt the classroom pet as his/her own.
Other Considerations
- Beware of the 'honeymoon syndrome'. Conscientious care of a classroom pet often wanes after the first one or two months of school.
- Do not breed your classroom pet. Numerous animals are already waiting for homes at animal shelters.
Recommended Educational Activities
- Create a set of rules concerning the handling and care of the classroom pet, and post this agreement in a visible area near the cage.
- Create a 'pet-care budget' for the classroom pet to help students appreciate the financial responsibility of having an animal. Criteria to consider include food, supplements, bedding, housing, veterinary expenses, toys, special equipment, etc.
- Encourage students to write stories from their classroom pet's point of view. For example, "What does George the Gerbil think about the third grade class?"
- Practice observation skills by assigning each child a block of time to watch the animal and to record its actions. Compare notes in a group to determine certain behaviour patterns.
Leadership Education with Adolescents and Dogs (LEAD)
OHS partners with community service agency to help youth
From April 19 - May 7, 2010, June 1-18, 2009 and March 3-19, 2009, the OHS held three LEAD sessions (formerly called YOUCAN) in partnership with the Roberts/Smart Centre, a children's mental health facility. In 2005-2007, the OHS ran three sessions with the Youth Justice Services’ department of the Youth Services Bureau, taking place at the William E. Hay Centre for young offenders. In total, 25 youth and 25 shelter dogs have participated in the program.
This dog-training initiative is designed to help at-risk youth gain personal responsibility and compassion toward animals and humans, and to increase the adoptability of harder-to-place shelter dogs. The program works with youth on issues related to responsible pet ownership, the human-animal bond, the role of the OHS in the community and the link between animal cruelty and human violence. In addition, animal-related career opportunities are explored.
How does this animal-assisted intervention work? The OHS matches four youth participants with four volunteer facilitators to provide basic obedience training and socialization to four shelter dogs under the direction of a dog trainer and OHS humane education coordinator. The program runs for three weeks and includes twelve 1.5 hour lessons, four times a week at the partner location. At the end of the program, the shelter dogs are placed for adoption.
The LEAD concept was based on an earlier OHS program that ran from 1999 to 2004 for at-risk children. The Viscount Adoption Project (V.A.P.) involved successful partnerships with Viscount Alexander Public School and Crossroads Children’s Centre (a children’s psychiatric facility). Anecdotal feedback from both partners observed positive changes in the children as a result of their involvement in the dog-training program.
After the final child-oriented session, OHS internal and external program evaluations indicated that a more difficult population such as at-risk youth would be a better match for challenging shelter dogs. This group was also seen as a better program fit because it was anticipated that the overall impact—and individual benefit to each youth participating in the program—would be greater.
A review of similar dog-training initiatives for at-risk youth in North America indicates the need for empirical, rather than anecdotal feedback to evaluate program efficacy. Going forward, a PhD psychology candidate at Carleton University will implement formal before and after behavioural assessments of LEAD youth participants. The OHS will be apprised of the results which will also be published in a peer-reviewed academic journal.
Listen to a CBC radio story about a recent session!
Are you interested in becoming a volunteer facilator with LEAD?
Adult Pet Education
The Ottawa Humane Society's adult pet education program targets marginalized individuals about responsible pet ownership. Participants will gain a better understanding of basic care and behavioural problems, identification issues, spaying/neutering benefits, the importance of annual veterinary care, advantages of making an informed decision before acquiring a pet, budget realities, and the necessity of respecting community by-laws. The overall goal is to reduce animal overpopulation (thereby lowering stray and relinquishment rates) and neglect within a pet-owning client group affected by educational, economic and health (mental and physical) constraints.
Participants are chosen by the social service organizations involved in the partnership program. Pet owners must participate in educational workshops to be eligible for limited, one-time OHS-subsidized veterinary care for their companion animals.
Eight adult pet education sessions have been completed since March 2005. Our partners have included Options Bytown, Youth Services Bureau, the Canadian Mental Health Association, the Ottawa Independent Living Resource Centre and the Ottawa Salus Corporation. In total, 147 animals and 103 pet owners have benefited from the program!
*Please note that program delivery is dependent on funding availability. Social service agencies are welcome to inquire about future sessions. The most recent session took place at the Ottawa Salus Corporation in March 2010.
Shelter Tours
Shelter tours (minimum of 5 people) of the Ottawa Humane Society are offered Monday to Friday, from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. Cost is $1 per person. Two weeks advance notice is appreciated.
