Children are the future—for animals, too! Studies show kids who are taught kindness toward animals tend to mature into caring, responsible adults. Our humane education programs not only help nurture kids’ compassion, they’re fun, too!
Youth programs
Birthday parties
Calling all party animals! Celebrating your birthday at HSHV or at Tiny Lions cat cafe will be remembered fu-ever! Paw-ties include a shelter tour, treat/toy making and animal interactions. + The birthday kid gets to name an animal!
Rescue Reading
Touted as a win-win for both children ages 6-11 and animals, Rescue Reading provides a fun way to practice skills in front of our adoptable animals, who hang on kids’ every words. It’s a drop-off event, too!
Pets + Pajamas
Also known as “Parents Night Out,” Pets and Pajamas drop-off evenings offer kids an exclusive night at the shelter, and parents a day off! Our humane educators supervise an animal-themed movie (G or PG), interactions with the animals and more.
Cats + Kids
The purrfect pairing! Kids ages 6-11 spend time with the adoptable cats and kittens at Tiny Lions Lounge and Adoption Center along with arts/crafts, games and other fun activities. Another Parents Night Out event!
Future Vet Academy
10th-12th graders who aspire to be veterinarians and want to delve deeper into the field of veterinary science learn through curriculum and study, observation, and hands-on experience with our clinic.
Camp Paws + Purrs
Held whenever school is out, Camp Paws and CampPurrs offer one-day and week-long camps for kids age 4-17 at our shelter and at the Tiny Lions cat café. Topics vary depending on the session and age group.
Toddler Times
If you have a young child who loves animals, join us for a paws-itively fun time! Designed for ages 2-5, Little Paws Toddler Time keeps tots engaged with stories, crafts, and safe interactions with the animals.
Youth fundraising
From a towel drive to donating their birthday gifts to the animals, young people give hope for a more humane, more compassionate world. We’re here to support them, and feature their inspiring stories on our “Kind Kids” page.
Looking for group programs?
Shelter tours, scout programs and more this way...
Kids can volunteer with us!
Our Junior Volunteer (JV) program is a 6-session training series for ages 12-17, after which they can volunteer independently. Our Family Kindness in Action program welcomes participants of all ages.
Keep up-to-date on HSHV programs for youth
Sign up for our Humane Education e-newsletter!
Upcoming events
Things are always happening at HSHV and at our Tiny Lions cat café!
October 2026
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