Humane education teaches people to recognize and accept responsibility for animals, and to understand the consequences of irresponsible behavior. Learning to care for our pets helps us develop empathy and understanding for each other.
The Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA strives to promote healthy relationships between people and animals in our community. We provide a variety of programs to schools, civic groups, scout troops, and churches by request.
Programs can be presented at the location of your choice, or as part of an SPCA shelter tour.
Programs
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Nelson Mandela
We offer a variety of age-appropriate programs, a few of which are listed below:
- Responsible Pet Care
- Animal Careers
- Fostering Empathy/Anti-Bullying
- Pet Overpopulation
- Shelter Services
- Volunteerism
All programs can bue customized to fit your specific needs. If you don’t see the topic you’re interested in on the above list, don’t hesitate to contact us. Programs can be presented on your campus or as part of an SPCA shelter tour. Please contact Lauren Watson, Humane Educator at 540-434-5270 or email her at humane@rhspca.org.
Children ages 6-12 may also learn in a new, fun way by joining our new Kid’s Club. Kid’s Club activities will resume on the second Saturday in September. Please contact Lauren Watson (contact information above) to register your child. Once the seating limit is reached, a waiting list will be kept and parents will be notified as space becomes available.
Cats
Why should I adopt a cat? Aren’t there free kittens this time of year?
Adopting a cat may seem like a lot of bother, but what are you really getting when you bring home a “free” cat or kitten?
“Free” cats and kittens might have their vaccinations and they might appear to be in good health, but how do you really know? After acquiring them, getting their vaccinations up to date and treating fleas and other parasite issues can get costly–more costly than adopting a healthy pet from an animal shelter or rescue group. What’s more, the new addition may bring a disease home to your resident pets or even have something contagious to humans, putting you and your family at risk.
The cats at the Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA have all been wellness checked by a veterinarian and are monitored for health issues by trained staff everyday. Not only are the cats here cared for physically, but our staff also takes the time to get to know their personalities to help you find the best match for your lifestyle. Other advantages to adopting a cat, especially an adult cat, include:
- Better litter box manners
- Already vaccinated
- Formally temerament tested
- Tested for FIV & leukemia
- Many are already spayed or neutered, and if not a deposit at the time of adoption covers a significant part of their surgery cost
- Better companion for adult resident cats than playful kittens
- Already treated for parasites like fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms
- Adults are calmer and less needy than kittens
- Microchip ID is included with adoption, permanently identifying your new kitty as yours
- No need to go outside
- Cats spend about 15 hours a day sleeping, so you’ll have some down time too
- Cats can help lower your blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease
- Personality of adult cats is already developed, so no surprises since what you see is what you get
- Independent but cuddly
- Fully grown, and unlikely to get any bigger
- No baths & minimal grooming
- No housetraining
- Live entertainment right at home
- Less expensive than buying AND less expensive than care required for an unvetted “free” cat or kitten
- Adults have a stronger immune system
- Can learn cool tricks like high fives!
- Unconditional love
- Adults are less likely to play rough with young children than kittens are since kittens have super sharp baby teeth and claws
- TONS of variety to choose from: all sizes, colors and patterns, breeds, personalities, fur lengths, ages, and activity levels are represented by cats in animal shelters and rescue groups
- You won’t be supporting irresponsible owners or cat breeders who allow their cats to reproduce when so many loving, friendly, awesome cats are waiting for a home already
And, most importantly, you’ll have the satisfaction of saving lives! Not only will you be rescuing your new best friend, but you’ll be providing a cage for another cat who needs the opportunity to find a home. After spaying or neutering your new addition, you’ll be preventing the birth of 240-300 or more kittens a year! Your one act of kindness has a ripple effect far into your community.
Are you ready to meet some kitties who would love to meet you? See them here!
Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA 