Inspiring Empathy through Education
RISPCA Humane Education
It is our mission to teach people of all ages to understand and care for the animals in our lives, as well as to foster compassion, respect, and empathy for all living things. We do this through a variety of programming. If you are interested in programming with us, please see the information below to register your group or class.
Program fees can be found here.
We offer:
In-School Programs ~ Camps ~ Weekend Events ~ Field Trips ~ In-Shelter Tours ~ Library Programs ~ Lectures ~ Scout Programs - Homeschool Programs - and MORE!
Animal Ambassador Club
The RISPCA is excited to offer weekly group classes with our humane educators at the shelter. Classes are held Wednesdays through June and will begin again in September 2025. Tiny Tails (6 and under) classes begin at 10:30am. Animal Allies (grades 3-6) classes will begin at 3:30pm. Each class is 1 hour. $15 per class. Payment is due before the start of each class. Register here!
Books with Beans
If you or your child(ren) would like to practice some reading, look no further than the RISPCA. Our small animals and cats would love to hear a story or two! Limited spots available weekly. For more information and to register, Sign up today!
Critters in the Classroom
Are you a teacher, administrator or parent? We would love to visit your classroom! Our in-school classroom programming consists of a 30-45 minute program taught by one of our RISPCA humane educators. Programming includes a short lesson, activity, and ends with an opportunity for students to meet one of our animals and ask questions.
We have a variety of programming to fit every school’s needs, ranging in ages from early-childhood all the way to high school. For more information and to sign up, please register here.
Please be sure to read through our guidelines prior to our visit!
Library Programs
Check out our Summer Library programming! We hope to see you soon!
If you are have any questions regarding library visits please email Heather.Pagliarini@rispca.org
Homeschool Heroes
Our homeschool programs will resume in September 2025!
Now offering programming for Homeschoolers in grades K-12. Each session will take place monthly on Fridays from 10:30-12pm and 1:00-2:30pm. Register for 1 session or all sessions here!
Critter Camp
The RISPCA offers several camps throughout the year.
February: Cozy Critter Camp
April: Little Critter Camp
Summer: Caring Kids Critter Camp
Click here for more information and to register!
Smallie Support Team
Are you a student age 14-16? Do you love animals and want to gain experience working with them in a shelter setting? Join our Smallie Support Team or Junior Counselor Team!
Please email Jeremy at Jeremy.Momborquette@rispca.org for more information on training dates and more!
Scout Programs
We are now offering badge programs through Girl Scouts of Southern New England. Registration can be found on their website.
If you would like to schedule a private scout program, please reach out to Adri at Adrianna.Sawaia@rispca.org.
Assisted Living Visits
We love visiting Assisted Living facilities with our ambassador animals! Visits are $100/session for us to visit, and free of charge if your group would like to visit the shelter. To schedule reach out to Adrianna.Sawaia@rispca.org.
Field Trips
Our field trips are currently booked through the Spring. Check back in the fall for next school year!
3rd Grade students are invited to visit our shelter and learn how we help animals in need find forever homes. Join us for a two hour field trip full of fun, science, and furry friends while discovering how we can be more kind to the animals in our lives! Field trips are at no cost to RI public schools and are on a first come, first serve basis.
If interested, please email Adri at adrianna.sawaia@rispca.org.
Paws to Learn
Paws to Learn is a new, grant funded program that allows us to offer 1-2 classroom visits followed by an in-shelter field trip for high school inclusionary classrooms in Title 1 schools. For more information and to schedule please reach out to Adrianna.Sawaia@rispca.org.
Pet Therapy
If you are a university or other organization and would like a visit from our therapy dog or ambassador animals, please reach out to Adrianna.Sawaia@rispca.org. Visits are $50/hour and proceeds directly benefit animals at the RISPCA!
Slinky’s Lending Library
The Humane Education team now has a small library outside of our classroom space at the shelter! If you are looking to borrow a book about a particular topic, feel free to stop in and take a look! We have books ranging in topics from animal care to stories about rescue pets and pet loss.
If you would like to donate to our lending library, we would love that too!
While many of our programs are free of charge, we always welcome when your school or community is interested in hosting a donation or monetary drive for us. You can find our Wish List here.
For questions or programming ideas, please contact our Humane Education Department at (401) 383.1900 x 200 or email Humane.Education@rispca.org