Classroom programs on pause
While we are not accepting requests for off-site programming, groups can schedule a visit to one of our four locations. You may also request a virtual session with one of our humane educators.
Please note: shelter programs include classroom visits only. Tours of the shelter are not available at this time.
Scheduling info and additional details
Learn more about location capacity for onsite programs, scheduling a classroom visit, program fees, discounts, and more.
AHS classroom programs feature interactive, educational presentations about specific subjects in animal welfare. Each program can be offered offsite or at any one of our four locations. Programs are tailored to the audience’s age level and interests, and are available to all audiences - including, friends/families, schools, clubs, home school groups, and community organizations.
All programs are 45-60 minutes unless otherwise specified. Offsite classroom programs require presentation space, a small table for materials, and a screen for a PowerPoint presentation. Max classroom size is 50 students, unless noted.
While some programs include an appearance by a small animal companion (small mammals only, such as guinea pigs, rabbits, or domestic rats), participants shouldn't expect significant animal contact as part of these presentations.
Program descriptions
Our popular story time taken on the road! Perfect for daycare centers, our humane educators travel to you and read an animal related story book. We'll read the story aloud, engage students in games and activities geared to their age level, and teach gentle animal petting skills. Students will practice their learned skills on visiting guinea pigs.
Max group size offsite for this program is 20 students. Onsite, max group sizes follow our shelter tour guidelines.
Length: Approximately 45 minutes
This story-telling program features a giant who acquires a pet boy, but doesn’t understand the needs of a human child. Through the story, students gain greater understanding of compassion toward pets by learning about the importance of proper habitat and care.
Minnesota Academic Standards
Science: 1.4.2.1.1, 1.4.2.1.2
Language Arts: 0.8.1.1 (c), 0.10.5.5 (d), 0.10.6.6, 1.10.6.6
Social Studies: 0.3.2.3.1, 0.4.1.1.1
Length: Approximately 45 minutes
This program shows students that just as they have needs, so do their pets. Students will work in small groups, using a variety of pet care items, and learn the nine basic needs that all pets share.
Minnesota Academic Standards
Science: 2.2.1.1.1, 3.1.1.2.1
Language Arts: 2.8.1.1 (d), 3.8.1.1
Length: Approximately one hour
This program teaches students basic information about the many ways that animals (and people) communicate their needs and emotions. Understanding what an animal is saying increases empathy and respect and can also keep children safe. Students will use their observational skills to interpret animal body language and vocalizations.
Minnesota Academic Standards
Science: 5.1.1.1.3
Language Arts: 4.8.1.1, 5.8.1.1
Length: Approximately one hour
From rabbits and birds in our yard, to deer and turtles in the park, wild animals have adapted to living in urban environments and coexisting with humans. This program reviews the rewards and challenges (for humans and animals) that result from living together and interacting so closely. Students will gain a new understanding of how we can benefit from having a strong wildlife population around us.
Minnesota Academic Standards
Science: 6.1.3.4.1, 7.4.2.1.1, 7.4.2.2.2, 7.4.3.2.3, 7.4.4.1.2
Language Arts: 6.1.1.1.1
Length: Approximately one hour
Students attending Pet University explore a series of hands-on activity stations that reinforce concepts in pet care and animal welfare. Topics include veterinary care, pet costs, pet grooming, pet perspectives, animal cruelty, and animal careers.
Pet University is only offered at AHS locations: Golden Valley, Woodbury, or Coon Rapids.
Minnesota Academic Standards
Science: 6.1.2.1.2, 7.1.1.2.4, 7.4.3.2.3, 7.4.4.1.2
Language Arts: 6.9.2.2, 7.9.2.2
Length: Approximately 1.5 hours
What is an endangered species? This program explores the definition of “endangered,” what it means for an animal species to be at risk, why animals become endangered, and what we can do about it. It also features items from the Suitcase for Survival, a collection of poached and wildlife trade items that illustrate the role humans play in endangering animal species.
Minnesota Academic Standards
Science: 7.4.2.2.2, 7.4.3.2.4, 7.4.4.1.2
Language Arts: 6.9.1.1 (c), 6.9.2.2, 7.9.1.1(c), 7.9.2.2
Social Studies: 6.1.1.1.1
Length: Approximately 1 hour
This program helps students explore a variety of animal-related careers, including the veterinary field, shelter work, animal behavior, and more. Students will discuss the benefits and challenges of these careers and learn more about the training and education required to pursue them.
Minnesota Academic Standards
Science: 9.1.3.2.2, 9.1.3.3.1
Language Arts: 8.9.1.1 (d)
Social Studies: 8.1.1.1.1, 9.2.2.2.1
Length: Approximately 1 hour
Our Anti-Dogfighting Workshop uses group dynamics to initiate a debate among students about their thoughts and experiences regarding dogfighting. Each workshop includes five steps that lead students through a process of questioning, knowledge building, and discussion that ultimately requires them to take a stand on the issue. AHS staff educators facilitate each workshop, helping students to examine facts about dogfighting and understand the impact this kind of animal abuse can have on dogs, families, and communities.
Minnesota Academic Standards
Science: 8.1.1.1.1, 9.1.1.1.5, 9.1.1.2.2
Language Arts: 8.9.1.1 (c), 8.9.1.1 (d), 9.9.1.1 (c), 11.9.1.1 (c)
Social Studies: 8.1.1.1.1
Length: Approximately 1.5 hours