Education and Outreach

La Plata County Humane Society understands the importance of education in order to build kindness, respect and compassion toward all animals. Our humane education staff and volunteers create programs that teach the importance of values, respect, kindness and most of all love. We provide tools of knowledge and develop an understanding of how you can put those tools into action.

From preschool to college, groups, individuals and beyond, we offer programs that will work for you! For more information on our programs, please contact info@lpchumanesociety.org or call (970) 259-2847.

Shelter Tours

Want to learn more about our facility? This 30-45 min. presentation is a great opportunity to go behind the scenes and learn about the daily operations.

Community Presentations

Whether you are school, business, church group or fellow non-profit organization. We are always happy to come and speak about La Plata County Humane Society and animal welfare topics.

Classroom Projects

Schools and classrooms have created projects to collect donations of pet supplies, bedding and food. Others raise monetary funds for our Emergency Medical Services that will provide life-saving care for animals in need, and some groups prefer the “hands on” approach, helping with yard work in our play yard. Whether it’s accepting donations, raising funds or working in the yard, we are always happy to support and discuss different projects your classroom may be interested in.

Read-to-a-Dog Program

In 2012, a reading program was introduced to several elementary schools. Research reports that reading aloud to man’s best friend can have many positive effects on a child’s desire and ability to read. Most children love dogs, and for those students who need additional reading practice, reading aloud to a loving, non-judgmental canine listener can help develop self-confidence and reading fluency. A volunteer brings a carefully screened dog to your classroom. Each student reads to them for 5-10 minutes before they rotate. Visits can last 1-2 hours.

*Schools that have participated in this program include: Animas Valley, Bayfield, Florida Mesa, Ignacio, Needham, and Park. In addition, kids from the La Plata County Boys and Girls Club have participated in during the summer.

For more information about our Education and Outreach Program, call (970) 259-2847

Student Immersion Program

During this experience, students age 12-16 will be able to learn about different departments of La Plata County Humane Society and receive a certificate of completion at the end of the course. more…