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Youth Engagement

Love meets learning at the CAHS

Does your child love animals? Our kids’ programs are the perfect way to spend time with our shelter animals, learn about animal welfare, and even prepare for future volunteering. If you have any questions about kids’ programming and education, please call 403-932-2072 or email shelter@cochranehumane.ca.

Kids’ Birthday Parties

Host your birthday party here at the shelter! This is a unique opportunity we offer to children who want to celebrate their birthday with the animals. We can accommodate up to 15 children and 4 adults at the party for a fee of $175.

Kids’ Pajama Parties

Once a month, we offer kids’ pajama parties so parents can get a break and give their children a fun, unforgettable experience. Children aged 5+ can wear their pajamas, bring a blanket and snack, and join us for a fun evening at the CAHS. Included in the evening is time with some of our younger animals and activities like board games, crafts, or a movie. Cost is $25 per child.

Upcoming pajama parties run from 5:30pm-7:30pm:

  • March 22, 2024
  • April 26, 2024
  • May 24, 2024
  • June 21, 2024
  • September 27, 2024
  • October 25, 2024

Critter Club

Critter Club is designed for kids who love animals! During our 6-week session, your child will learn different animal related topics, from animal safety to what different species need to stay healthy and happy. Hands on activities, animal interactions, and learning will engage your child to care about animals of all sizes and shapes! For kids aged 7 to 12 years old. Registration fee is $180.

Critter Club runs Thursday evenings from 5:30pm-7:00pm:
May 2, 2024 - June 6, 2024  

Click here to register!

Tours

We open our doors for a variety of community and school groups who want to learn more about the animals in our care. Each group receives a personalized tour of our facility with the help of our knowledgeable volunteers and the opportunity for small animal, puppy, and kitten cuddle time as available.

Please note that there is a $75 fee for tours. We recommend at least 2 weeks’ notice for booking and can accommodate groups of 6–25 participants. Contact shelter@cochranehumane.ca for more information and to schedule your tour.

School Presentations

Your school can request one of our representatives to come to your school and speak to the children about what the Cochrane & Area Humane Society does. Please note there is a $75 fee for school presentations. Contact shelter@cochranehumane.ca for more information.

Cochrane & Area Humane Society Scholarship

We award up to four $1,000 scholarships each year to students who:

  • are in Grade 12 at a Morley or Cochrane area high school;
  • have been accepted at a post-secondary institute to pursue a career in a field related to human or animal care, health, medicine, or education;
  • have completed meaningful volunteer hours at the Cochrane and Area Humane Society; and
  • have demonstrated participation in extracurricular activities, school sports, or part-time employment.

Applications for 2024 scholarships are now open and are due May 31, 2024. Please contact operations@cochranehumane.ca for a copy of the application.

Humane Classroom of the Year Award

Each year, we select a classroom from Cochrane and area whose students worked hard to learn about humane education, raise awareness about animal welfare, or fundraise for the shelter and animals in our community. The recipient classroom will receive an attractive classroom award certificate, recognition in our shelter newsletter, and the warm appreciation of our staff, volunteers, and pets.

For more information, visit the Animal Shelters and Volunteerism lesson plan page, email shelter@cochranehumane.ca, or call 403-932-2072.

A little boy happily participating in a Cochrane Humane youth engagement program.