Humane Society of Missouri-Education Department

Our Mission:

Humane Society of Missouri

Since 1870, the Humane Society of Missouri has been dedicated to second chances. We provide a safe and caring haven to all animals in need—large and small—that have been abused, neglected or abandoned. Our Mission is to end the cycle of abuse and pet overpopulation through our rescue and investigation efforts, spay/neuter programs and educational classes. We are committed to creating lasting relationships between people and animals through our Adoption programs. We further support that bond by making available world-class Veterinary care, and outstanding pet obedience and behavior programs. The animals thank you for your support.

Education Department

The humane education department is committed to the challenge of teaching humane education. We are committed to equipping young people with the necessary tools to make wise, considerate and kind choices that will create a more tolerant, less violent and more peaceful world. By teaching humane education, we are assuring that our next generation will work to end the strife of the weak and suffering. Humane education is an exciting, innovative and meaningful vehicle to deliver life-changing messages of hope and empowerment to young people, making the world a better place for all living creatures.  

What is Humane Education?

At its most basic level, humane education is teaching children to care for the animals that share our world - both in our homes and in our communities. It is about fostering attitudes of respect, responsibility and kindness - for animals and people alike! Its fundamental purpose is to make the world a better place for all living creatures.

Humane education involves far more than the teaching of a simple animal-related curriculum. It is a process through which we:

• assist children in developing compassion, a sense of justice, and a respect for the value of all living creatures.

• provide the knowledge and understanding necessary for children to behave according to these principles.

• foster a sense of responsibility on the part of children to affirm and act upon their personal beliefs.

“Children trained to extend justice, kindness and mercy to animals become more just, kind and considerate in their relations with each other. Character training along these lines will result in men and women of broader sympathies, more humane, more law-abiding and in every respect more valuable citizens. Humane education is teaching in the schools and colleges of the nation the principles of justice, goodwill and humanity toward all life. The cultivation of the spirit of kindness to animals is but the starting point towards that larger humanity which includes one’s fellow of every race and creed. A generation of people trained in these principles will solve their difficulties as neighbors and not as enemies.”

- US National Parent-Teacher Association Congress