The Kansas Humane Society’s humane education programs play a critical role in promoting the welfare of animals in our community. Our animal shelter believes that in order to solve the problems of pet overpopulation, cruelty and neglect, humane organizations must teach the lessons of responsible pet ownership. We have a variety of educational opportunities for children aged preschool to high school. KHS offers programs geared toward developing and expressing attitudes of compassion, kindness and respect for all living things.
Let the Kansas Humane Society bring the joy of animals and the importance of humane values directly to your students! Our classroom presentations are interactive, educational, and tailored to engage students of all ages in fun, age-appropriate ways.
Led by experienced KHS staff and trained volunteer educators, these sessions spark meaningful conversations about animal care, empathy, responsibility, and kindness toward all living creatures.
Our humane education programs help plant the seeds of compassion, respect, and responsibility. For many children, these visits are a first glimpse into animal advocacy—and a spark for future involvement and care.
Pennies for Paws is a heartwarming annual fundraiser from the Kansas Humane Society designed especially for schools and student groups. By encouraging children to collect spare change, this program teaches compassion, generosity, and the powerful impact of small acts of kindness.
Many local schools have made Pennies for Paws part of their curriculum, recognizing the deep connection between children and animals. It’s often a child’s very first experience with volunteering or charitable giving—and a memorable one that inspires lifelong empathy and civic responsibility.
Where Fun Meets Furry Friends! Make your child’s special day unforgettable with a birthday party at the Kansas Humane Society! Our parties are full of laughter, learning, hands-on activities—and, of course, adorable animals. It’s a celebration with heart that supports a great cause.
Learn about our Paw-some Birthday Party and Barktastic Birthday Party packages!
Building confidence in young readers—one tail wag at a time. At KHS, we believe in nurturing both compassion for animals and literacy in children. Our Read to Rover program invites young readers to spend quiet time reading aloud to calm, friendly shelter dogs in a safe and supportive environment.
This unique experience not only helps children strengthen their reading skills and build confidence—it also provides soothing companionship and socialization for our shelter pets. It’s a win-win full of wagging tails, turning pages, and growing hearts.
We ask a $5 deposit, but it will be refunded to you upon entry. If you do not attend, the deposit will be kept as a donation and used to help care for our local pets.
We're so excited to bring this program back! These camp session are a fun, hands-on exploration of the world of cats! Children (Grades 2nd - 5th) will be making cat-themed crafts, creating enrichment toys for our shelter cats, and getting the chance to meet some of our calmer felines up close! Snacks are provided!
*Limited to 15 participants
Step 1: Check out our Paws & Claws booklet and submit a project approval form.
Step 2: Once projects are approved, you may begin your projects!
Step 3: Schedule your project drop-off by emailing Lskelton@kshumane.org
Please note: Be sure to plan ahead for approval and project completion.
This process takes time, so please allow enough time for each step. If the required steps aren’t followed, we won’t be able to verify or sign off on your volunteer hours.
You and your friends, school club, family, or neighbors can make a big difference for the animals in our care! There are so many fun and meaningful ways to help, like creating crafts from our Paws and Claws Project booklet, organizing a fundraiser, or collecting items from our wish list.
Have an idea or need some inspiration? We’d love to hear from you! Contact Lauran Skelton at Lskelton@kshumane.org with any questions or to chat about your plans.
The Kansas Humane Society’s Pet Pals Patch Program is a fun and educational opportunity for Girl Scouts to explore the world of animal care and welfare. Designed with four levels tailored to different age groups, this program guides scouts through age-appropriate activities that teach important lessons about pet care, animal body language, and compassionate stewardship.
As scouts complete each level, they’ll earn a unique bone-shaped patch—a symbol of their growing knowledge and commitment to animals. Every level wraps up with a special behind-the-scenes tour of our shelter, plus a chance for some playful puppy time or cozy cuddles with our adoptable kitties.
Join us to inspire your scouts’ love for animals while deepening their understanding of the vital work we do at KHS!

Scouts can earn their Dog Care Merit Badge through a 3-hour session with us! During this session, we’ll cover all the badge requirements, including dog handling, clinic tours, and informative discussions about responsible dog care.
Please note: certain tasks must be completed independently by the Scout outside of the session. The Pets Merit Badge can also be earned at the same session or at a different time! Please note: Certain tasks must be completed independently by the scouts outside of the session.
Interested in completing an Eagle Scout Project? The Eagle Scout Service Project is a key step in earning the rank in scouting, where Scouts plan and lead a community service project. If you’d like to complete your project with the Kansas Humane Society, contact Lskelton@kshumane.org to get started and learn about our current needs!
Calling all animal-loving, pizza-eating, movie-watching kids! We bring the animals and the fun—just bring your child ready for a great time! Drop your children (Grades 1st-5th) off for an afternoon filled with:
Cost: $25 per child
This program is designed to improve children's reading and communication skills for Grades 1st - 5th. Reading to a dog is typically less stressful for the child and a whole lot more fun! Huge thanks to Love On A Leash, who provides the certified therapy dogs for this paw-some service! We ask a $5 deposit, but it will be refunded to you upon entry. If you do not attend, the deposit will be kept as a donation and used to help care for our local pets.
Cost: $5 (refundable deposit)
Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers ages 2 to 5! Join us for:
Cost: $5 per child
Are you a middle or high school student eager to make a positive impact? Come join us, learn, have fun, and make a difference! Community Service Saturdays offer:
Cost: $10 per student
We welcome classes, groups and scout troupes to the Kansas Humane Society for our facility tours! Our humane educators provide an interactive tour with information about pet adoption, responsible pet care, the history of KHS, our services, available animals, and more.
Please note that animal interactions cannot be guaranteed. All curriculum is subject to change at the discretion of the KHS Youth Education Director.

Have questions about your pets past or upcoming appointment? Please contact our clinic by filling out the form below or calling us at (316) 524-9196.
The "Paws for Points" loyalty program is designed to reward loyal customers of the Kansas Humane Society retail store. In order to ensure a fair, transparent, and enjoyable experience for all participants, the following rules, restrictions, and regulations apply:
This program and its terms are governed by the laws of the state of Kansas. Any disputes arising under or related to the "Paws for Points" program will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in Kansas.
Have questions about your pets past or upcoming procedure? Please contact our clinic by filling out the form below or calling us at (316) 524-9196.
To schedule a classroom visit, please fill out the form below. If you experience any difficulty with the online form, email Lauran at lskelton@kshumane.org with your information so we can get you scheduled.
*Copyright Notice: By submitting content through this form, you grant us permission to feature the image on our website and social media channels. You affirm that you own the rights to the photo or have obtained appropriate permissions, and you agree to allow its use for promotional purposes without compensation.*
By checking below ,I/we agree to allow the Kansas Humane Society the right of first refusal to ownership of the above-described animal if at any time we are unable or unwilling to care for the animal and are considering euthanasia for it.
I/we agree to contact the Kansas Humane Society and, if so desired by the Kansas Humane Society, return said animal to the Kansas Humane Society for evaluation so that the Kansas Humane Society may make an informed decision prior to exercising their right of first refusal. Rescue representative understands that animals are unpredictable, and the City of Wichita and the Kansas Humane Society cannot guarantee appropriate behavior of animals transferred from our facility. Rescue representative acknowledges the City and the Kansas Humane Society has not made through its agents, volunteers or employees, any guarantees regarding the future condition, temperament or conduct of the animal, including bites, and Rescue Representative hereby fully and completely release, indemnify, and hold harmless the City and the Kansas Humane Society, its officers, directors, volunteers, agents, servants and employees from any claim, cause of action or liability of any sore or nature, whether known or unknown, directly arising out of, or, in connection with the adoption, care, or ownership, maintenance, retention, temperament, conduct or condition of the animal.
As a Kansas Humane Society Youth Education program participant, you will be required to abide by the terms of the following contract. The agreement below describes what KHS will expect of you, and what you can expect of KHS.
My signature below indicates that I understand and agree to the following:
I hereby certify that all entries on this application are true and complete. I understand any falsification of this information may cause forfeiture of my community service with the Kansas Humane Society. I understand that the Kansas Humane Society of Wichita, Kansas, Inc. (“KHS”) Youth Education Programs (“Programs”) will involve exposure to animals, including cats, dogs, puppies, and kittens, as well as conditions found in a veterinary hospital and dog and cat kennels.
I recognize that there are risks and health hazards directly and indirectly involved in participation in KHS Programs. I understand and agree that KHS is not liable for any injuries or damages sustained by any child attending KHS Programs. I am the natural parent or legal guardian of the participant listed below, and represent that the facts set forth in this registration are true. I hereby give my permission for my child/ward to participate in the KHS Programs, hereby release and discharge KHS and its employees and agents, for any liability, loss, damage or injury sustained by my child or ward as a result of attending said Programs.
I also agree, to the full extent allowed by law, for myself and my minor child or ward, to hereby release and agree to indemnify and hold harmless KHS and its employees and agents, from any and all claims and liabilities arising from or in any way relating to my child or ward’s participation in KHS Programs. This indemnification extends to any liability, expenses (including, without limitation, attorneys’ fees), claims and all other forms of damages which arise from or in any way relate to my child or ward’s participation in KHS Programs.
I hereby authorize KHS to use the photographic image of the minor listed below for the following:
By signing below, I am certifying I am the parent or legal guardian of said minor, have read the foregoing and fully understand and agree with the contents thereof.
We’re dedicated to teaching children the importance of responsible pet care and respect and compassion for other living things. Our Youth Education program offers a wide variety of activities for kids, including spring, summer and winter Critter Camp, classroom presentations, Girl Scout and Boy Scout programs, birthday parties, Tot Tuesdays, Read to Rover and tours of KHS.
If your pet is placed for adoption, we will make every reasonable effort to find your pet(s) a new home. We cannot make any guarantee that your pet(s) will be placed for adoption or be adopted. Other options we may explore for your pet include breed-rescue groups, transfer to another shelter, or humane euthanasia. You may choose to reclaim your pet through our Reclaim Program in the event that your pet is not a candidate for our adoption program. Please ask an Admissions staff member for details.