ASPCA, National Shelter Outreach
Pet parenting assistance is crucial to successful adoptions. Preparing pet owners for a new pet and assisting pet owners with the adjustment and bonding period with their new pet is very important.
Shelter sponsored classes are a blend of education, professional show-and-tell, and G-rated entertainment suitable for the entire family. Pet parenting classes are be offered prior to adoption as a way of helping new owners with what’s to come or after adoption to give new adopters a chance to ask questions and observe successful pet partnerships.
The following handout includes a sample outline for a dog parenting class and tips and advice for any type of pet parenting class. A similar outline with appropriate modifications could also be followed for cat parenting.
Dog Parenting Class
(Suggested Program Length: 1 1/2 to 2 hours)
1. Introduction
Instructors
Participants – what kind of dog do they own (or hope to own) – how old, what breed type/mix?
2. The New Arrival
Your dog’s personality (breed characteristics)
What to expect
Dog Behavior – pack animals/language
3. Family Responsibilities
Feeding (adults and pups)
House rules
Routines
4. Housebreaking Crating
Chewing (toys, bones)
5. Grooming (demonstration)
Grooming tools
Toenail trimming
Ear cleaning
Teeth cleaning
6. Health Care
The role of the veterinarian
Brief descriptions of common diseases (heartworm, parvo)
Importance of preventive veterinary care
Giving pills and liquid medication (demo)
Spaying and neutering
7. Basic Obedience
Training tools – what’s humane and what’s not
Basic obedience – sit, stay, down, come
Tricks for fun
Obedience classes
8. Resources
Free literature available from shelter
Recommended books
9. Questions and Answers
Tips and Advice for Pet Parenting Classes
1. Instructors must be very knowledgeable about their topic and should convey a sense of confidence.
2. Always use a well-trained animal for demos. Remember the instructor and the animals become role models for the attendees.
3. Use a lot of props – brushes, toys, scratching posts, leashes, crates, etc.
4. A flyer promoting the clinic and listing future dates should be given to every adopter.
5. Hold the clinics at the same time every month so that staff can easily inform interested people of upcoming dates.
6. At least one staff member should be adequately trained to instruct each class in the event that a volunteer instructor cancels.
7. The classes are excellent training workshops for new staff and volunteers.
8. It is helpful to have a staff person at each class to answer any shelter-related questions.
9. The classes do not have to be held at the shelter. Any place where animals are permitted and that can accommodate an audience is suitable.
Courtesy of
424 East 92nd St.
New York, NY 10128-6804
(212) 876-7700
www.aspca.org
