Office: (570)-596-2200 Clinic: (570)-596-2270 | 353 Sanctuary Hill Ln, East Smithfield, PA 18817

Office: (570)-596-2200

Clinic: (570)-596-2270

Humane Education

One of the three main pillars that guide our work at Animal Care Sanctuary is education. We developed a humane education program for students of all abilities in Pre-Kindergarten through grade 12, and we have internships & work co-op opportunities for juniors, seniors and college undergraduate students.

• Pre-Kindergarten – 12th grade curriculum
• Animal Science Internship & work co-op opportunities for Juniors & Seniors
• Pre-Vet/STEM Internship Program for under-graduate students
• On-Site Tales for Tails Reading Program

Why Does Humane Education Matter?

• Reduces violence by addressing the troubling link between violent acts towards animals and interpersonal violence.

• Harnesses young people’s natural fascination and affinity with animals as a foundation for building compassion, respect, and social and emotional learning.

• Strengthens academic engagement and has measurable impact on increasing prosocial behaviors of students.

Humane Education:
Pre-Vet/Stem Internship for Undergraduate Students

This internship Program was designed to give under-graduate students the opportunity to experience all facets of shelter medicine & management. The program is offered three times a year.

Each session consists of a 12-week rotation through the cattery, canine care and veterinary clinic. Students also receive education on the nonprofit business model and board governance.

Students are part of the Alternative Housing program in which they foster and help train shelter dogs/cats who require behavioral modification training to increase their adoptability.

Our continued partnership with Cornell University allows us to have access to the latest teaching methods in veterinary medicine, animal behavior and associated protocols.

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Humane Education: Kindergarten – 12th Grade

A Pet-focused, Literacy Based, Humane Education Program Designed to Promote Empathy, Respect, and Responsibility.

Fulfills New York and Pennsylvania State Standards in Humane and Character Education.

Elements of our Program:

• On-site interactive Story Time held at ACS. Students listen to a thematic story, make a craft, and read to our resident felines. The goal is to draw the community to ACS and awareness of our services and adoptable animals.

• In-school SEL Character Education Lessons. Besides our goal to promote the common good, we want to bring awareness to the community of our facility, what services we provide, and the importance of what we do. Each unit consists of four 30-minute
weekly visits. Culminating lesson (4th) may include live animal interaction, demonstrations.

• Virtual option providing educators with on-line videos (created in-house), lesson plans, materials, and guidance to complete curriculum. Sharing the same goals of our in-school lessons.

• In-School Story time for Pre-k to grade 1 students. The program’s objective is to teach students about kindness, inclusion, and responsibility toward all living beings.

While working one-on-one with the teacher, we’ve utilized applied learning and in-service projects with a variety of subjects, such as:

Work done in the subjects listed above has been used to reinforce the following skills:

Humane Education: Animal Science Internships & Co-op Work Opportunities for Juniors & Seniors

This program allows students to rotate through our Community Clinic, Kennel and Cattery to experience first-hand what it takes to care for animals in a shelter.

They have an opportunity to meet a variety of our staff, learn details of each position, what education is required for those positions, expected salary ranges after high school and the impact we have on the lives of animals.

Our goal is to inspire students to want a career in animal rescue. Each internship varies in length depending on the student’s schedule. Co-op work experience is also available.

For more information, please contact Kristy Fisher at kfisher@animalcaresanctuary.org

570.596.2200 ext. 404

Students gain education on the non-profit business model, board governance and rotate through our Community Clinic, Cattery and Kennel
Students participate in our “Alternative Housing” program, where they foster and help train shelter dogs/cats who could use a break from the shelter setting and need help with behavior modification training. The goal is to increase their adoptability and ultimately find them a home!
Our continued partnership with Cornell University gives us access to the latest teaching methods in veterinary medicine, animal behavior, and associated protocols
Onsite housing and stipend are both available for students.
Started in 2014, ACS has hosted over 50 interns from various schools across the country, including California, Illinois, Idaho, Texas, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Michigan, Kansas, Louisiana, Puerto Rico, Pennsylvania, and more!
Even if students choose a path in private practice or a specialty, it’s the hope of ACS they still plan an active role with a shelter in their own community

Spring, Summer, & Fall Sessions Available

Spring (February – May) – Application Deadline: November 15
Summer (May – August) – Application Deadline: February 15
Fall (August – November) – Application Deadline: May 15

For more information, please contact Amy VanBenthuysen avanbenthuysen@animalcaresanctuary.org.

Humane Education:
Tales for Tails Storytime

We offer a monthly on-site program geared towards Pre-K to 3rd
grade students. After listening to an animal themed story
participants read to our cats! Data shows that reading to animals
boosts literacy rates. A fun activity, such as creating cat toys, is also
included.

For more information on any of our programs, please contact Kristy Fisher at kfisher@animalcaresanctuary.org

570.596.2200 ext. 404

“Teaching a child not to step on a caterpillar is as valuable to the child as it is to the caterpillar.” —Bradley Miller