EDUCATION:
SpokAnimal C.A.R.E.'s Education Department is all about the education of the Spokane area populace. Among the highly aggressive educational programs sponsored by this department, the three most prominent are:
- Behavioral Counseling.
- Pet Therapy.
- School Visitation.
Behavioral counseling services are provided upon referral from the Shelter's Kennel/Receiving Department or Animal Control. Specifically, if an individual contacts the shelter with a behavioral problem such as barking, which could potentially lead to the animal owner having to consider surrender, a behavioral counseling referral will be made in an attempt to rectify the problem. Many animals will have a subsequent positive response to counseling instruction, which allows the owner keep the animal at the home. This strategy is built upon the core concept that a pet is a life long commitment.
Pet therapy has proven to be a positive way for a companion animal to have a significant impact on an individual's quality of life. Under this very popular program, specially certified companion animals, under the direction of the Education Director or her designee, visit area senior centers and nursing homes. The impact of this program cannot be overstated as now we see that medical science has been able to demonstrate a direct correlation between animal companionship and a longer healthier life for humans.
School visitations are the Education Director's chance to get up on her soap box and introduce such concepts as 'responsible pet ownership' to the area's youth. Valuable information is also imparted during these visits such as how to 'read' an animal's body language, and what to do if a child encounters a stray on the street.
