Larimer Humane Society is excited to offer educational presentations to schools, scouts and seniors, as well as community and faith-based organizations. Our humane education presentations closely align with our mission, which is to promote and provide information on the responsible care and treatment of animals, and center around teaching others to value, respect and care about the animals residing in our community, both domestic and wild.
If your group is interested in having one of our humane educators visit with your school or group, please contact our community relations department at 970-226-3647 ext. 146/142 or via email. Thanks!
A complete list of our current presentations are listed below:
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Introduction to Larimer Humane Society
Through this presentation, participants will be introduced to Larimer Humane Society – its vision, mission, programs and services. Additionally, participants will learn the role our shelter plays in the community and how individuals can become involved to help the homeless, ill, injured and orphaned wild and domestic animals in Larimer County.
Animal Shelters 411
Like the animals in their care and the communities they serve, animal shelters come in all shapes and sizes, and each play their own role within the communities they serve. In this presentation, we will teach you about the different types of animal shelters that exist within our community including open admission and limited admission shelters, rescues, municipal shelters, and the roles each play in finding homes for the homeless, injured, ill and orphaned wild and domestic animals that live amongst us.
Service Learning 101
In this interactive presentation, learners will be introduced to the programs and services we offer to the public, the concept of service learning, and ways in which students can make a difference in the lives of animals in need. With facilitation by our humane education staff and volunteers, learners will apply their knowledge about Larimer Humane Society and work collaboratively to design an ongoing service learning project that will benefit animals at Larimer Humane Society.
Wild Wonders
Did you know that Larimer Humane Society is home to one of the largest wildlife rehabilitation centers in the state of Colorado? Through this presentation, students will learn what wildlife rehabilitation is, how to recognize a wild animal in need, when to leave wild animals be, and various way you can help the wild animals in our community. Humane solutions to dealing with the more pesky critters that visit our backyards and campsites will also be discussed.
Meet Your Match
Developed by the ASPCA, Meet Your Match® is a program we utilize at Larimer Humane Society that aims to match potential adopters and with the perfect pet. Through this presentation, participants will learn all about the Feline-ality, Canine-ality and Puppy-ality personality types that are assigned to the animals at the shelter -- what they are based on, how they differ -- and how we use them at the shelter to match potential adopters with a new pet based their personal preference and lifestyle.
Pet Care 101
Adopting a pet is fun and exciting, but there are many facets to pet ownership to consider before bringing an animal into your life. Through this interactive presentation, participants will learn what it truly takes to care for a pet, including physical, emotional, time and monetary requirements. Comparisons will be drawn between human and animal needs.
Safety Around Dogs
Did you know six in 10 children will be bitten by a dog by the time they turn 12? In this presentation, adults and children alike will gain the necessary knowledge to significantly reduce their risk of being bitten by a dog. Topics covered include recognizing a dog’s body language, how to approach and meet a friendly dog, and how to react when an unknown dog at-large (not on leash) approaches you.
Animal Communication
Did you know that you can tell a lot about how an animal is feeling by how it looks, moves or positions its body? Through this presentation, participants will learn common animal body language; the various ways that companion animals communicate that they are happy, sad, scared, or upset; and why it is important to understand animal communication for personal safety.
Animal Careers
Ask a group of students who love animals what they want to be when they grow up, and they’ll all say, “A veterinarian!” Many students may automatically say “veterinarian” because they’re excited about working with animals, but don’t quite realize there are numerous other careers to choose from in the animal welfare industry. In this presentation, students will learn about various careers in animal welfare, including the veterinarian, shelter manager, animal protection and control officer, adoption counselor, animal trainer, kennel assistant and more!
Animal Cops
Television shows about animal cops are sweeping the ratings on cable networks across the country – and with good reason – the life of an animal protection and control officer is an exciting and important one! Through this presentation, participants will learn about the role and responsibilities of an animal protection and control officer, local animal ordinances and how they are enforced, and key issues in animal welfare including pet licensing, leash laws, excessive breeding, animal hoarding and animal cruelty.
Pet Overpopulation
Did you know that 70,000 puppies and kittens are born daily in the U.S., compared to only 10,000 human beings? Pet overpopulation, the term used to describe the condition of having more pets than there are homes, is one of the leading challenges facing shelters and animal welfare advocates today. Through this presentation, students will learn some of the staggering statistics on pet overpopulation and how spaying and neutering pets is an important part of the solution to reducing the number of animals without homes. Topics will be presented through thought-provoking activities.
Pet Identification & Licensing
We’ve all experienced what it’s like to be lost or separated from our familiar surroundings. For our pets, this experience can be frightening and potentially dangerous especially if they do not have identification or license tags that indicate where they live and who their owner is. Through this interactive presentation involving imagery and creative writing, students will learn about the importance of pet identification and licensing and how they help to keep pets safe and ensure that they make their way home if they ever get lost.
Kindness & Compassion
What does it mean to be kind? In this interactive presentation designed for lower elementary students, learners will explore what compassion and respect “looks like” in our human relationships and in our interactions with animals and all living beings. This presentation will include discussion of animal feelings, hands-on practice in approaching and petting dogs and cats, and ways to help animals in need.
Pit Bulls & People: Our Relationship with a Misunderstood Breed
Of all dogs, pit bull terriers and related breeds are arguably the most polarizing.
Many fear them, convinced that they are inherently dangerous and aggressive. Supporters point to their loyal, inherently gentle nature and place responsibility on owners—rather than the dogs—to help create a well-balanced, socialized pet. In this presentation, students will learn how the human relationship with pit bulls has evolved over the decades from fighting dog to beloved pet. Arguments for and against breed ban legislation as well as interesting facts and common misconceptions about pit bulls and related breeds will be discussed, with emphasis on fostering an awareness of the unique needs of all dogs and the importance of owner responsibility.
