Promoting responsible dog ownership is one of the most effective ways to improve the welfare of street dogs, shelter dogs, and pet dogs alike. Educating current and future dog owners is essential for fostering stronger, more positive canine-human relationships.
Jump to: Childhood Education | Coalitions | Dog Owner Education | Family Education | Indigenous Community Education | Teaching Resources
Childhood Education
A sample list of childhood education initiatives and resources provided by dog welfare organizations, by country.
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Australia
Aware by RSPCA
Aware by RSPCA is a portal for Australian children, covering topics on animal care and responsible pet ownership.
Living Safely with Dogs
The Living Safely with Dogs Program, run by the government, teaches preschool children in Australia how to safely interact with dogs. Trained pet educators and their dogs deliver engaging presentations at preschools using interactive methods like chats, role-playing, stories, and songs.
Victor & Victoria’s Pet Town
Victor & Victoria’s Pet Town, developed by the government, is an online resource (available on desktop and as a mobile application), designed to teach children aged 4-12 about responsible pet ownership and safe interactions with dogs.
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Canada
AnimalSmart by Ontario SPCA
AnimalSmart™, an initiative of the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society, offers free, curriculum-linked presentations to Ontario schools and community groups for students in grades 1-8. These sessions, delivered by volunteers, foster empathy and responsible attitudes towards animals.
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Hong Kong
Education Talks by SPCA Hong Kong
SPCA Hong Kong’s Educational Talks deliver four core messages to schools and communities: respect for life through animal care, careful pet ownership consideration, pet ownership as a lifetime commitment, and the “Adopt, Don’t Shop” philosophy. Content is tailored for different age groups, from kindergarten to tertiary/beyond. Educational talks are available for schools and organizations, both in-person and online, at a cost per session.
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Malawi
Humane Education by Lilongwe SPCA (LSPCA)
LSPCA’s Humane Education program promotes animal welfare among young people in Malawi through five key approaches: rabies education, school art projects, public awareness campaigns, animal kindness clubs, and a humane education pilot program. Supported by World Animal Net (WAN) and RSPCA International, the pilot program delivers lessons to 160 students in urban and rural schools.
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New Zealand
DogSmart School Programme
Developed by the Christchurch City Council Government, this interactive dog safety presentation teaches children how to avoid dog bites, approach unfamiliar dogs safely, understand basic dog owner responsibilities, and learn about the work of Animal Management Officers. The presentation aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum.
SPCA’s Kids Education Portal
SPCA’s Kids Education Portal is a portal for children in New Zealand, covering topics on animal care and responsible pet ownership through the use of videos and quizzes.
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United Kingdom (UK)
Dogs Trust Workshops for Schools
Dogs Trust’s dog safety workshops help children aged 7-11 build safe and loving relationships with their dogs. These curriculum-linked workshops can also be adapted for 5-7 year olds when minimum booking requirements are met.
Coalitions and Partnerships
A sample list of dog welfare organization education coalitions and partnerships, by country.
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United Kingdom (UK)
Pet Education Partnership
The Pet Education Partnership (PEP) is a collaboration between eight of the leading animal welfare charities in the UK: Blue Cross, Cats Protection, Dogs Trust, PDSA, RSPCA, SSPCA, USPCA and Woodgreen.
Dog Owner Education
A sample list of dog owner education courses provided by dog welfare organizations, by country.
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Canada
First Aid for Dogs and Cats
This online First Aid for Dogs and Cats course by the Red Cross provides comprehensive training in responding to common pet emergencies. A certificate of completion is awarded upon successful completion of the course.
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United Kingdom (UK)
Dog School with Dogs Trust
Dogs Trust Dog School offers a range of in-person and virtual training courses for dogs of all ages, including puppies, adolescents, and adults. These courses employ reward-based training methods, focusing on positive reinforcement and building a strong bond between dog and owner.
Happy Dog, Happy Home workshop
Dogs Trust Community Engagement Officers lead these 45-60 minute workshops, providing owners with tools and techniques to prevent separation anxiety in their dogs. Workshops are available both online and in-person.
Family Education
A sample list of family initiatives offered by dog welfare organizations, by country.
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Australia
“We Are Family” guide
“We Are Family” is a guide for expectant and new parents about fostering positive relationships between children and pets. Designed by the government, the program provides parents with the knowledge, skills, and strategies to ensure a safe and enriching experience for both child and pet. “We Are Family” resources are available through participating hospitals, maternity services, and maternal childcare centers.
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United Kingdom (UK)
Free Family Workshop
Children aged 7-11 can learn how to interact safely and responsibly with dogs in Dog Trust’s free family workshop. The 90-minute workshop features dog-related games and activities and is available both online and in-person at Dogs Trust rehoming centres and various community settings across the UK, including libraries and school holiday clubs. Adult supervision is required.
Indigenous Community Education
A sample list of indgienous commuinty education initiatives and resources provided by dog welfare organizations, by country.
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Canada
Living in a Good Way with Dogs: Our Stories
Living in a Good Way with Dogs: Our Stories is a culturally-responsive educational resource developed by First Nations for First Nations, with the support of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). Targeting teachers, this program provides a comprehensive curriculum for Canadian students, exploring the historical and contemporary role of dogs in Indigenous communities.
Teaching Resources
A sample list of teaching resources provided by dog welfare organizations, by country.
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Australia
Aware by RSPCA
Aware by RSPCA is a resource for Australian educators, providing units and lesson plans that cover topics such as the cost of owning a pet and how to protect animal well-being.
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New Zealand
SPCA’s Teachers’ Portal
The SPCA’s Teachers’ Portal offers innovative resources for early childhood educators and teachers of Years 1-9 in New Zealand. These materials provide real-life, meaningful contexts for teaching and learning, aligning with school curriculums.
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United Kingdom (UK)
Dogs Trust Free Learning Resources
Dogs Trust’s curriculum-linked classroom resources provide engaging, dog-themed activities designed to enhance learning outcomes for students aged 4-16+.