HUMANE EDUCATION CLASSES offered free to schools and groups throughout Ventura County

Thousands of school children are exposed to the concept of humane treatment of animals thanks to our Humane Education Classes. To request a visit to your classroom, youth group, service group or other organization, call Aimee French at (805) 643-0412.
Visit our Children's Area and browse through our animal-related projects.

Tips offered for evaluating humane qualities of books
Reading about animals is a great way for children to learn about them. There are many children’s books about animals. Some of them foster humane values and some do not. Use the checklist below to distinguish between the two and help you choose the right book to incorporate into your Humane Education Program or family reading times.

Book Checklist
Is there any cruelty towards animals in the text or visuals? Yes No
Is the animal information correct? Yes No
Does the book discuss the needs of animals? Yes No
Is there respect for nature and its qualities? Yes No
Does the book teach compassion towards animals and humans? Yes No
Is the book about animals at all? Yes No
Does the book show animals in an anthropomorphic way? Yes No
Is there acceptance of cultural differences? Yes No
Does the book speak about environmental conservation? Yes No
Do the visuals demonstrate appropriate behaviors around animals? Yes No
Does the book mention issues concerning the treatment of animals in a way that discussion can occur? Yes No

Sources for information on good animal-related children’s stories
ASPCA has a Bibliography of recommended children’s books, “Kids, Animals and Literature.” For ordering information write ASPCA Humane Education, 424 East 92nd St., New York, NY 10128-6804 or call (212) 876-7700.
Each November edition, the Smithsonian magazine prints a view of children’s books. Many of these books have animals as the subject.
Check your local newspapers. Many now have weekly columns which review children’s books.
Animal Sheltering Magazine, Animal People and Kind Teacher often contain reviews of children’s books.
Visit you local bookstore and spend time browsing through the children’s book section.
Visit your local library and talk to the children’s librarian – ask for recommendations.

For animal-related children’s projects, click here

Recommended reading
“Old Turtle” by Donovan Wood
“Alejandro’s Gift” by Richard E. Albert

The Humane Society of Ventura County is a private, non-profit organization. We receive no monetary support from the government or national animal welfare organizations such as the Humane Society of The United States. We are funded entirely by private donations. Financial support is appreciated and may be sent to P.O. Box 297, Ojai, CA 93024.
The Humane Society of Ventura County, at 402 Bryant St. in Ojai, is open for adoptions Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For more information about the Shelter and the many services available, including the Spay and Neuter Clinic, call (805) 646-6505 or (805) 656-5031.

You can now make financial contributions to the Humane Society of Ventura County electronically. Simply click on the cat's face to the right and let Paypal.com do the rest. Thank you for helping us help animals. You can also sign up online for the e-scrip program. Many leading retailers and credit card companies will donate a portion of your purchase totals to the Humane Society. Learn more about this program at http://www.escrip.com

Have a car you would like to donate? The Humane Society is happy to accept the donation of used automobiles, trailers, RVs, boats, motorcycles and other motor vehicles. Please click here to fill out our on-line donation form.