Classroom Visits - Humane Society of North Central Florida

HSNCF in the Classroom

Bring the Humane Society of North Central Florida directly to your classroom.

Our interactive outreach programs teach compassion, responsible pet ownership, and the important role animal shelters play in our community through engaging, age-appropriate lessons and hands-on activities.

Programs are customized for each age group and may include one of our friendly shelter ambassador dogs or cats, depending on the program and animal availability.

Our classroom programs are perfect for schools, homeschool groups, libraries, after-school programs, Scout troops, and other youth organizations and clubs.

Program Details

Duration: 20-45 minutes
Available Days: Tuesday through Friday
Available Times: Between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM

Costs:

$60 per classroom (up to 35 students)
$40 for each additional classroom scheduled back-to-back at the same location on the same day
Travel fee applies for programs outside the City of Gainesville
Limited scholarships may be available for Title I schools in Alachua County, thanks to the generosity of our supporters.

Booking & Cancellation

Reservations are subject to staff availability.
We recommend booking at least 2–4 weeks in advance.
Changes or cancellations should be made as soon as possible so we can accommodate other schools.
Payment instructions will be provided once your program is confirmed.

Learning Objectives

Every classroom visit encourages students to:

Treat animals with kindness and respect.
Understand the responsibilities of pet ownership.
Build empathy and compassion.
Learn how animal shelters help the community.
Discover ways they can make a difference for animals.

Important Information

Programs are tailored to the age and size of each group.
A classroom teacher or supervising adult must remain present throughout the program.
Programs are designed for up to 30 students per classroom.
Animal ambassadors (dogs or cats) may be included depending on the program, setting, and animal availability. Live animal visits cannot be guaranteed.
Student participation is encouraged, but activities may be adapted based on the age and needs of the group.
Please notify us in advance of any allergies, accessibility needs, or special accommodations so we can provide the best experience for your students.
Programs require adequate indoor space for interactive activities and, when applicable, animal ambassadors.

Learning Standards

Our programs support age-appropriate learning in:

Responsible pet ownership
Animal welfare
Kindness and empathy
Community responsibility
Science and social-emotional learning (SEL)

Please fill out the form above to request a program. An education team member will be in touch shortly to assist you with scheduling.
For questions please contact our Outreach Team at Outreach@humanesocietyncfl.org or call 352-373-5855 ext. 722

Choose your Program

What’s in My Pet’s Backpack?

Preschool – Grade 4 | 20–30 Minutes

Students unpack a “pet suitcase” filled with everyday pet supplies to discover what dogs and cats need to live happy, healthy lives. This hands-on program introduces responsible pet ownership through interactive discussion and play.

Grades 1–4 also receive a copy of Love Me Gently or Gray Whiskers to enjoy together after class.

Helping Hands

Grades 2–8 | 30–45 Minutes

How does an animal shelter save lives?

Students learn about the Humane Society, fostering, volunteering, responsible pet ownership, and the many ways people of all ages can help animals.

Activities may include creating enrichment toys, writing adoption profiles, designing adoption posters, or completing other service-learning projects.

Shelter in a Box

Kindergarten – Grade 8 | 30–45 Minutes

Become an animal detective by unpacking a mystery box filled with real shelter supplies.

Each item reveals another part of the journey from intake to adoption, helping students discover how shelters care for homeless animals and how an entire community works together to save lives.

Topics may include shelter operations, veterinary care, foster homes, adoption, animal behavior, responsible pet ownership, and the important role our community plays in helping animals.

Help Support Programs Like This

Donations allow us to offer scholarships and help support community-focused programs, humane education, and enrichment opportunities for shelter animals.

Donate • Make a Difference

Interested in Sponsoring an Education Initiative?

Would you or your company like to sponsor one of our education initiatives? Please contact outreach@humanesocietyncfl.org to learn more about sponsorship opportunities and ways to support community programs like Purrs & Tales.