ARF | School Programs

Humane Education Programs for Schools

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation and the statewide shelter-in-place order, all ARF Youth Programs are currently suspended. Please click here for the most up-to-date information.

ARF's humane education programs are designed to empower children to make responsible choices about themselves, animals, and their community. Our ARF All Stars® school curriculum aligns with Contra Costa County school districts' character education models with a specific focus on compassion, responsibility, respect, and citizenship.

Thanks to grant funding, ARF's school programs are FREE to Contra Costa County Public Schools. Scholarships are available for bus fees.

For more information, please contact us or phone (925) 296-3147. FREE for qualifying schools.

Download a flyer to share with your school.

Classroom Programs

Classroom programs are 30 to 45 minutes long and are available for grades TK through 8.

This program includes an interactive presentation on topics such as: pet overpopulation, animal senses, community service, and responsible pet guardianship.

This program includes an interactive presentation on topics such as: pet overpopulation, animal senses, community service, and responsible pet guardianship. Each class will "adopt" a plush shelter animal to help foster responsibility and compassion. Teachers will also receive ARF's Humane Education Lesson Planning (H.E.L.P) Guide for future Humane Education instruction.

All programming is grade-level appropriate.

Shelter Tours

Shelter Tours are 60 to 90 minutes long and are available for grades TK through 8.

This program includes a tour of ARF's adoption center, activities about pet guardianship in our Learning Center, interactive lessons on animal safety & body language, and a meet & greet with a Pet Hug Pack therapy dog.

All programming is grade-level appropriate.

Assemblies

Assemblies are 45 minutes long and are available for grades 1 through 8, can be grade-level or school-wide.

This program includes a video storytelling of ARF's history & mission, a presentation on topics including pet guardianship, volunteerism, animal safety, and the role of therapy and service animals, and a meet & greet with a therapy dog.

All programming is grade-level appropriate.

Private Schools, Preschools, After-School Programs, and More!

ARF All Stars® school programs are available to private schools, preschools, camps, and after-school programs in Contra Costa County. The following program fees apply.

Classroom Program (TK-8): $75 per class

Shelter Tour (PreK-8): $90 per class

Assembly (1-8): $100 for up to 100 students

Support ARF's Educational Fund

Humane Education Fund