Adopt a Pet from the Humane Society of Greater Miami

The Humane Society of Greater Miami Adopt-A-Pet believes that the building of a more kind, just and loving community for the pets and people of Miami-Dade County begins with instilling the values of kindness and compassion in the children of our community. It has been shown that children who are encouraged to be kind and compassionate towards animals grow up to be kind and compassionate adults. That's where the Humane Society's Humane Education Program comes in. The Humane Society of Greater Miami offers humane education as a free service for the children of Miami-Dade County. If you would like to request a humane education speaker to visit your child's classroom or scout troop, please follow the instructions below.

Lessons Offered:

A Pet's Suitcase - Grades K - 1st
Kids learn the importance of being a responsible and committed pet owner. They will learn what pets need to be happy and healthy through discussion of practical care, behavior, senses, feelings and communication.

Do's and Don'ts with Dogs - Grade 2
Learn how to stay safe around dogs by helping dogs feel safe around you. Kids learn when and how to approach a dog, why dogs bite and how to avoid being bitten.

Too Much of a Good Thing? - Grade 3
This program focuses on the causes, results and solutions of the pet overpopulation problem.

Perfect Match - Grade 4
Children discuss reasons why owners surrender their pets, how the pets feel once surrendered, and how this could be avoided.

Responsible Pet Care - Grade 5
Children list and discuss what is needed in order to be a responsible pet owner.

Too Much of a Good Thing? - Grades 6 - 12
This is a video/lecture program which focuses on the causes, results and solutions of the pet overpopulation problem.

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To Schedule a Humane Education Program
To schedule a visit from the Humane Society of Greater Miami Adopt-A-Pet's Education Department, please call Lynda Ocanto, Community Outreach Manager, at 305-749-1820 between 9am and 5pm weekdays.

• If you leave a message, please include the date you would like to schedule a program for and a convenient time for us to return your call.

• You may fax your request for a program to Lynda Ocanto at 305-696-4434. Be sure to include the date, time, location, age and size of audience and a contact person and phone number.

• Due to the number of program requests we receive, please try to schedule programs at least one month in advance.

• Programs are available Tuesday through Friday. Unless otherwise noted, programs usually last thirty to fifty minutes.

• Our programs are designed to be presented to one class-sized group at a time (fewer than 35 students). However, we will be glad to schedule up to four programs per day for as many days as necessary to accommodate all interested teachers at your school. We can occasionally make an exception by presenting to an assembly-sized group of older students, but we find that this is generally not as effective.

New Program!
Confidence Through Canines children's reading program. Do you know of a child who needs a little extra encouragement to help them become a better reader? Farley the Sheepdog may be able to help! Farley, an experienced pet therapy dog, goes to libraries in Miami-Dade County so that children can read to him, helping to build the children's confidence in their reading abilities. You see, Farley does not make fun of or laugh or scold a child when he or she makes a mistake - he is a great listener and helps kids feel good about themselves. To schedule a reading session with Farley or to become an education volunteer, please call Lynda Ocanto at 305-749-1820.