Welcome to our
Humane Education classroom!

It is our mission to teach people of all ages to understand and care for the animals in our lives, as well as to foster compassion, respect, and empathy for all living things. We do this through a variety of programming. 

We offer:

In-School Programs ~ Camps ~ Weekend Events ~ Field Trips ~ In-Shelter Tours ~ Library Programs ~ Lectures

If you are interested in programming with us, please see the information below to register your group or class.

Critters in the Classroom

Our in-school classroom programming consists of a 30-45 minute program taught by one of our RISPCA humane educators. Programming includes a short lesson, activity, and ends with an opportunity for students to meet one of our animals and ask questions.

We have a variety of programming to fit every school’s needs, ranging in ages from early-childhood all the way to high school. For more information and to sign up, please register here. Each lesson will be presented with age appropriate content. 

Please be sure to read through our guidelines prior to our visit!

Winter, Spring, and Summer Camp

 Little Critter Camp registration now open!

Save the dates:

  • April vacation camp - registration is OPEN

  • April 15th - 19th for April vacation camp

  • Critter Camp registration is OPEN

Field Trips

3rd Grade students are invited to visit our shelter and learn how we help animals in need find forever homes. Join us for a two hour field trip full of fun, science, and furry friends while discovering how we can be more kind to the animals in our lives! Field trips are at no cost to RI public schools and are on a first come, first serve basis.
If interested please reach out to our Humane Education team.

In-Shelter Tours

If you are interested in bringing a group of students to the shelter for a visit and can provide your own transportation, please reach out to Adri at acalamita@rispca.com to schedule.

Library Programs

Stay tuned for more information regarding library programs!

Story in the Classroom
Geared towards Preschoolers, this program incorporates an interactive story and song into the lesson and ends with a chance for students to safely meet and interact with one of our ambassador animals.

Animal Empathy
What is animal empathy? How can we show kindness to our animal friends as well as each other? This program takes a social-emotional approach to learning how to respect animals and each other.

Animal Advocacy
Students will practice literacy skills, learn what it means to be an advocate and discover how they can speak up for animals in their schools, families, and communities.

Pet Responsibility
What do you need to take care of a pet? What should you do if you see a stray animal? All animals (including us!) need food, water, and shelter in order to survive. How can we make sure that our pets are receiving all these things?

Animal Cruelty
This high school program delves deep into the laws surrounding animal cruelty in Rhode Island, along with the role that the RISPCA plays in saving animals. Students will discover how they can help animals in their own communities.

Bite Prevention
What we know and understand about interacting with dogs is constantly changing as we learn more about animal behavior and the science and psychology of animals. This program will explore safe, appropriate ways that we need to interact with dogs in order to ensure both our safety and theirs.

Animal Welfare
What is Animal Welfare and what does it have to do with the RISPCA? This program takes a direct approach to teaching students the basics of animal welfare. Students will meet an animal that the RISPCA rescued from a poor living situation, and learn what they can do to help animals in their own lives.

Animal Careers 
Are you interested in a career working with or around animals? From Shelters to Zoos, there are many different opportunities for you that can all make a difference in the lives of animals (and people too). Learn from one of our educators about the different steps you can take to set yourself up for success, while meeting one of our animal ambassadors.

Pet Overpopulation
This program will lead students through an overview of how we are facing an overpopulation crisis when dealing with animal rescue and shelters. Students will explore different avenues for preventing overpopulation and learn how the RISPCA plays a role in saving lives.

While many of our programs are free of charge, we always welcome when your school or community is interested in hosting a donation or monetary drive for us. You can find our Wish List here.

For questions or programming ideas, please contact our Humane Education Department at (401) 383.1900 x 200 or email HumaneEducation@rispca.com