How to Teach Kids to Be Kind to Animals:

1. Teach children to be gentle with animals:

   • Teach children to pet gently, avoid the animal’s tail, and to avoid sensitive spots.

   • Teach them to approach animals quietly and slowly and not to taunt or tease them.

2. Teach children to be safe around animals:

   1. Teach kids the signs of a happy animal versus an angry or scared one. For example, body postures, movements, growls/hisses, etc. It’s important to point out that a wagging tail can mean different things depending on the pet. When a dog’s tail wags, it means it is happy; however, a moving tail means a cat is angry.

   2. Teach children to always ask an owner if they can pet their animal.

   3. If the owner says they can pet the animal, teach the child how to approach it. For example, allow the animal to sniff your hand first, don’t look the animal in the eye, approach slowly, etc.

   4. Teach children to turn their backs and stand still as a tree rather than running away from a dog they are afraid of.

   5. Never approach an animal that is not with an owner. Tell an adult if they see a stray animal.

3. Teach children about the needs of all animals: All animals have essential needs such as health/freedom from harm, food, water, exercise, and an appropriate habitat/home. We can teach children about these needs by observing animals or caring for pets at home. Have children take an active role in caring for animals, whether it be by protecting their habitats in the wild or by caring for a pet at home.

   • Make bird feeders, bee houses, dog or cat toys, dog or cat treats, or plant a wildlife garden!

4. Observe animals in the wild: Talk about the animals, their habitats, what they like to eat and the things they do during the day and night. Talk about how we watch animals without disturbing them and try to keep their environment clean and safe so they can live happily and healthfully. Observe bugs and worms without harming them and talk about their importance in our ecosystem.

5. Take care of the environment: Part of caring for animals is caring for their homes. When we leave garbage laying around we are destroying animal’s homes. Pick up trash and try to reduce your waste. Recycle when possible to avoid excess garbage in landfills.

6. Learn as much as you can about animals! The more you learn about animals, the more connected you’ll feel to them and their feelings.

How to Talk About Endangered Animals:

1. SciShow Kids has an excellent channel on YouTube. Their video called Endangered Animals! is an great jumping off point to begin teaching kids about the importance of caring for animals and their habitats.

2. Learn about some of the some of the species most at risk from Australia's bushfire crisis in this article published in the Guardian by Lisa Cox.

How to Talk to Kids About Animal Welfare:

1. This short video from Generation 2050 educates children about 5 key components of animal welfare.

2. You and your children can see what other kids have said about their views on animal rights here.

3. This video by TeachingHumane educates children on about animal shelters and homeless animals.

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