Humane Education: What can the Animals Teach Us?

The Humane Society of South Mississippi (HSSM) puts values like responsibility, compassion, and respect at the head of the class. Animals can plant seeds of kindness in a child’s heart that will grow into a lifelong commitment to being a responsible and ethical member of the community. How does a special pet teach a child such abstract values? Well, simply by being a pet!

Animals need the same things we do: food, water, shelter, play… love!

When we learn to care for animals, we learn to care for people, too. When, on the other hand, we tolerate or ignore the mistreatment of animals, we fail to stop a process that often leads to a lifetime of violence and cruelty towards other people.

Curriculum

Humane Education is for people of every age, from pre-schoolers to senior citizens. Each session is tailored by our experienced staff to meet the needs of the audience. Typical topics for younger groups would be respect for all living things, responsible pet care, and safety around animals. Older audiences can explore topics such as community service or service learning opportunities, the importance of spaying and neutering pets, and animal abuse prevention.

Let’s Get Started

The Humane Society of South Mississippi offers Humane Education programs year-round. Talks, school visits, and shelter tours are given by appointment, so please contact the Humane Education Manager today at 228-863-4394 ext 103 or email at humane@hssm.org to schedule a visit.

Pets can be brought to events if shelter staff deems that it will not create stress for the animal and if it is cleared with the school’s administration.

Talks, tours, and school visits are currently provided by the Humane Society of South Mississippi free of charge through the generosity of an ASPCA Mission Orange grant. However, donations greatly help HSSM continue to offer Humane Education programs to the community. Many groups like to have pet food and supply drives or “Pennies for Puppies” in conjunction with a talk, visit, and tour to further teach children about serving their community.

The HSSM provides Humane Education to schools and organizations throughout the Mississippi Gulf Coast. If you are interested in providing your community with the benefits of Humane Education, please donate or contact HSSM today.

Teachers, download our Humane Education brochure to learn more about our in-school programs