At the tail end of 2023, Dane County Humane Society’s (DCHS’s) Humane Education team expanded to bring even more programming to the area! We love to help people help animals, and we have more ways than ever for our community to get involved. We’re excited to empower community members to make positive choices with animals and become advocates for kindness and respect.

Since last year, we have added to our educational offerings with two exciting new programs: After Dark and Service Days. After Dark invites children ages 7 to 12 to join us for an evening at the shelter. With themes like “Howl-o-ween” and “Future Veterinarians,” After Dark provides special opportunities for youth to spend time with our classroom animals and learn about all sorts of critters. Service Days, held monthly, offer a unique opportunity for kids and their families to complete service projects for our shelter animals without having to commit to a recurring volunteer shift. We are proud of how well these experiences complement our established education opportunities, which include Camp Pawprint, scout workshops, tours, presentations, and birthday parties.

Whether they’re on a field trip, participating in an educational program, or volunteering their time at a Service Day, these kids bring so much joy and energy to the halls of DCHS. Their eager interactions with the animals while they learn about responsible pet care is something to behold. It is truly a privilege to watch our community embrace compassion and empathy towards our furry friends. The future is bright for Humane Education at DCHS, and we cannot wait to bring more programming to you!

Find all of our offerings at giveshelter.org/education.

Micaela Magel is the Humane Educator – Camp Pawprint Focus