Humane Education

The Champaign County Humane Society offers educational programs to students of all ages! 

Program Topics

Invite an educator from the Champaign County Humane Society to your school, meeting, fair, etc! Educational programs are available free of charge. Program content can be customized to fit any age group from children to adults. When possible, an animal ambassador may be included in the lesson. Available presentation topics include the following:

Pets 101

What animals are considered pets?  What do all pets need to be happy and healthy?  Students will learn the responsibilities of owning a pet and the importance of research when choosing a new pet.

Play it Safe around Dogs!

Do your students know how to interact safely with dogs? Using a realistic stuffed animal, students will learn the proper steps for meeting a dog and how to act appropriately around all kinds of animals, including their own pets. 

Critter Mania!

Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, and more! Learn about unique characteristics of different animal species and the care needed to keep them as pets.  This fun and interesting lesson gets students thinking beyond just dogs and cats. 

It's Raining Cats and Dogs!

Put on your problem-solving caps to search for solutions to the problem of pet overpopulation.  Students discuss the reasons why there are so many pets in shelters and the methods that are used to place those animals in loving, forever homes.  

Signals and Senses

Ever wonder what your barking dog is trying to tell you?  What about how a cat can fall from a tree and land on its feet?  Learn about the senses of companion animals and interpret body language to better understand what an animal is thinking or feeling.  

Myth Busters!

Should goldfish live in a bowl?  Is milk safe for cats to drink? Find out the truth behind some of the oldest and most common myths and stereotypes surrounding companion animals. 

What is Animal Cruelty?

What is considered animal cruelty and how can we prevent it? These questions will be answered by an actual humane investigator.  Students will also learn about Illinois laws that protect animals from neglect, abuse, and cruelty. 

Inside CCHS

 What is animal sheltering?  Where do shelter animals come from?  What happens to them while they are here? Where do they go?  We answer all of your questions about the Champaign County Humane Society in this very informative program. 

Animal Careers

Want to work with animals?  This program introduces students to a variety of jobs that involve animals and will help them choose a potential career path that complements their unique personalities and strengths. 

Adoption Options

Where do people get pets?  Learn about safe and humane places to obtain pets and how to recognize the signs of inhumane conditions where animals are being bred and sold for profit, as well as how to recognize a good quality breeder.  

Don’t see what you’re looking for? Just ask! Each program can be customized to fit ANY age group and will be tailored to fit your specific needs.


Invite Us To Your Special Event!

CCHS would love to visit your career day, special event, or fair. We'll bring informational materials and encourage children and adult visitors to talk to us about animal welfare issues, adoption policies, and animals in general. When possible, animal ambassadors may accompany the presenter.

Shelter Tours

Ever wonder what happens "behind the scenes" at the Champaign County Humane Society? Do you have a class, scout troop, or other group that would like a tour of the CCHS facilities? Shelter tours are an interactive and educational experience for all ages and are available free of charge.

Animal Adventure Camp

Calling all young animal lovers!  The Champaign County Humane Society invites you to experience a week filled with pet-related games, lessons, and crafts.  Enjoy daily interactions with “animal ambassadors” and learn about their care in a fun and safe manner.  Meet visitors from the community who work to help animals every day.  The week will end with an experience at the Champaign County Humane Society.

Animal Adventure Camp is a One-Week Summer Day Camp that runs August 6-10, 2018.  Campers age 6-8 meet in the mornings and campers age 9-12 meet in the afternoons. Camp is held at the Anita Purves Nature Center in Urbana, except for the last day, which is held at CCHS.

For more information, please visit pg. 29 of the program guide at https://www.urbanaparks.org/assets/1/6/Summer_Camps1.pdf 

Register through the Urbana Park District: https://www.urbanaparks.org/register/

Pet Pals Club

The Pet Pals Club is a hands-on learning program specifically designed for animal lovers between the ages of 10 and 15 years old.  Each monthly club meeting includes an instructional presentation, discussion, and/or activity and an opportunity for club members to interact with shelter animals. For more information, click on the Pet Pals tab listed under Programs & Services.