The HSPC conducts humane education through its workshop series, visits to public and private schools, informational booths at community events, presentations to civic and youth organizations, and with individual counseling for new pet owners. It is our mission to emphasize the benefits and importance of responsible pet ownership. Experience needed: Public speaking, organizational skills, and a willingness to educate others about animal health and issues helpful.

Calling all teachers! If you are looking for ways that your students can help our community's homeless animals while learning lessons of compassion and responsibility, then consider having the Humane Society of Polk County's education department and "Rusty" pay your class a visit or take a field trip to our shelter.

Show Me the Way Home!

This lesson teaches children the importance of proper pet identification and what to do if a pet gets lost. This hands-on activity demonstrates how to make a flyer for advertising a lost or found pet. The program lasts one hour and includes a tour of our adoption center, when conducted at the Humane Society.

Animal Care Grab Bag Presentation

This lesson teaches children the important responsibility of caring for our pets, specifically dogs and cats. Children pick items out of a "surprise" bag and discuss the importance of that particular item to an animal. Our Mascot "Rusty" will help our humane educator demonstrate how items are used.  If the lesson is scheduled at the HSPC, a tour of the adoption center will follow.

Shelter Tour

This lesson invites children to attend a tour of our facility and learn how they can help orphaned pets and the Humane Society of Polk County. During the tour, children learn how the shelter staff and volunteers care for our homeless animals and help them get adopted. A Power Point presentation accompanies the tour for students.

Dog Bite Safety

Since children account for more than half of all dog-bite victims, this lesson will teach kids how to protect themselves around pets in their neighborhoods. We will teach them how to interact with animals safely, including their own pets, friends' pets and strays. A video is included.

Animal Tales

Join us at the Humane Society for story time about a special animal. Story time is for children of preschool age. Mommy groups and preschools are always welcome. "Rusty" or one of our pets available for adoption will make a special visit with the kids.

Animal Brigade

Children ages 11 to 15, who have demonstrated a strong commitment to animals, are invited to apply for membership to the Animal Brigade. We meet on the first Thursday of each month from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Children will explore various topics related to animal care and welfare and will develop and implement their own projects to help animals. An application is required to participate in Animal Brigade.

For more information related to any of these programs, please call 863-324-5227. Please call ahead to reserve your child's spot.