Learning begins at Animals 101.

Humane education is all about kindness, compassion and responsibility for animals, human beings, and the environment.

The Humane Society of Vero Beach & Indian River County’s Education Department teaches these concepts through a variety of classes, workshops, events, and tours. Since HSVB&IRC believes that everyone plays an important role in making our world a better place, the shelter regularly reaches out to all corners of our community and all different age groups as well. We offer a range of  educational opportunities including:
 

The Care Cadet Program

The Care Cadets belong to a volunteer program for students ages 12-15. The program offers dedicated students the opportunity to work “hands-on” at the Humane Society, assisting staff with animal care, socialization and training. Each year, 20 young volunteers are selected for this program. To be considered for the program, you must sign up on the list at the desk in the Adoption Center before next February. Each student and one parent must attend one (1) information session held in March. Remember, over 100 youth will sign up for the limited number of slots, so register now. To get more information, please call (772) 388-3331 ext. 18.

Children's Classes

HSVB&IRC offers a number of a humane education classes for children. Classes include dog bite prevention, pet overpopulation, pet care, kindness to animals, and more. Classes are free of charge. To schedule a class, please call (772) 388-3331 ext. 18.

Adult Programs

HSVB&IRC regularly provides classes and workshops for adults and families on pet first-aid, animal behavior, disaster training and more. Here are details about some upcoming classes we're offering:   Date: June 11-13, 2010 Class: Disaster Animal Response Team (DART) Training Time: Tentatively 9:00-5:00 p.m. Instructors: Multiple instructors from the field of animal protection and emergency response Location: Humane Society of Vero Beach and IRC, 6230 77th St., Vero Beach Cost: $80/person includes lunch Description: This three-day introductory course covers these key topics: introduction to animals in disaster; the emergency management system; disaster preparedness for individuals and households, animal facilities, and communities; the Incident Command System (ICS); legal issues; communications; and teamwork. Other major topics covered include community animal needs/damage assessment; team response and procedures; animal care and handling; emergency animal shelters; equipment; and responder health and safety, including stress management. Table-top exercises will give students the chance to use and combine the skills learned during the training, including implementing ICS; communications; equipment; damage assessment; establishing and organizing a response; working with the media; responding to changing needs; and managing disaster resources including volunteers.

Tours

The Education Department offers shelter tours to demonstrate how the shelter helps animals in Indian River County as well as show the variety of animals helped by our organization. Tours take approximately one hour and are available by reservation for individuals and groups. For more information or to make a reservation please call (772) 388-3331 ext. 18.

Student Writing Programs

HSVB&IRC offers students ages 6+ an opportunity to write the “pet of the week” profiles for local print and online media outlets. Students can work cooperatively as a classroom, in groups or individually and receive basic instruction as well as a shelter animal’s photo and description. For more information please call (772) 388-3331 ext. 18. «Click here» to see a sample