EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

OAHS provides tours and educational programs at OAHS on Mondays and Wednesdays only, between the hours of 11am and 4:30pm. Groups need to be no larger than 10-12 children at one time. For liability reasons there is no hands-on with the animals during tours or programs.

To arrange for an educational program or a tour, please contact Cheryl at cheryl@oahs.org or call (920) 424-2128 and enter ext. 103. Programs and tours must be scheduled a minimum of three weeks in advance of your desired date. 

The Oshkosh Area Humane Society offers educational programs to children and adults of all ages. OAHS recommends children attend an educational program before touring OAHS so they have a better understanding of how OAHS helps animals and people in our community. Educational programs are offered right at OAHS or at any local Oshkosh Area School or other appropriate public meeting place.

All OAHS programs are based on the Golden Rule, “Treat others as you want to be treated,” with a twist to include humane treatment of all living things.

• Responsible Pet Care: focuses on the daily needs of pets and draws a parallel with the daily needs of humans. This program is a great way for children participating in different service organizations to earn their Pet Badge. Children are asked to put themselves in the pet’s place, whether it be their own pet or a pet they don’t know. “Stranger Danger” is also discussed.
  
  
• Bite Prevention: focuses on safety around animals  and how humans and animals communicate and how some body language might be misunderstood by either the person or the animal. Children are also instructed on what to do if approached by a dog they don’t know to keep from being bitten.

• All About OAHS discusses OAHS’s history, mission, and goals for the future. Learn about the variety of services OAHS offers in our community and how you can help.

All programs are approximately 20 – 30 minutes depending on the age of the children. Programs are interactive. Children are encouraged to participate. Tours after the program last about 15 -20 minutes with time for questions after. Groups scheduling an Educational Program and a tour should allow at least an hour for their visit.

Education is the key to ending pet overpopulation and the problem of homeless, unwanted animals. Showing children how to be caring and compassionate youngsters will encourage them to grow into responsible and respectful adults, building a more humane community for people and for their pets.

TOURS

Tours are a great way to learn more about what OAHS does to help people and animals in our community. Visitors see all the public areas of the shelter and get a peek at the behind the scene areas too. For school groups and/or scout troops please allow at least an hour as an educational program precedes every tour. For liability reasons, there is no hands-on with animals during programs or tours.

The Oshkosh Area Humane Society recommends school and/or service groups have an educational presentation before requesting a tour of the animal shelter. Children who first participate in an educational program will have a better appreciation and understanding of why there is a need for an animal shelter and what they can do to help homeless animals.