Children
Pets provide an excellent opportunity for children to learn many lessons about respect for life and social interaction. According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent psychiatry, a child who learns to care for an animal, and treat it kindly and patiently, may get invaluable training in learning to treat people the same way. That’s why the GHHS is so passionate about involving children in the humane treatment of animals and encourage parents to adopt a pet for their children. Pets provide many physical, social and emotional needs for children and they include:
- Exercise
- Social skills
- Unconditional love and comfort
- Companionship
But it is important to choose the right pet and provide supervision for young children. The GHHS will help you find the right pet for your children and provide several resources for completing your family.
Bite Prevention
Children between the age of 5 and 9 are the most likely to be bitten by a dog in the United States, that’s why the GHHS encourages parents to teach their children about animal safety. One of the best educational tools is the Be A Tree Program. This program is a simple and effective way of preventing a dog bite.
To Be A Tree all you have to do is:
- STOP
- FOLD YOUR ARMS DOWN, THINK OF THEM AS BRANCHES
- HOLD YOUR LEGS CLOSE TOGETHER
- PALMS IN TIGHT
- BREATHE AND WAIT FOR THE DOG TO LEAVE OR FOR HELP TO ARRIVE
The GHHS also invites local schools, church groups or civic organizations to bring school age children for a tour of the shleter and presentation on bite prevention and animal safety. 
Kids always remember to ask permission before you pet a strange dog, never run when a dog chases you (BE A TREE) and always treat pets with respect. Children can also help support the mission of the GHHS by doing any of the following:
- Collect items from our wish list
- Donate their old toys to our thrift store
- Celebrate their birthday at our shelter
- Have a bake sale or lemonade stand
- Make toys from old pillowcases and tennis balls
- Make educational posters with information about the GHHS
Birthday Pawties
We invite you to celebrate your child’s next birthday party with the shelter pets of the Greater Huntsville Humane Society. This is an excellent opportunity to teach your children about humane education and also let them enjoy a fun and exciting party at the GHHS. Visit Ellen's Creative Cakes to find the perfect flavor for your child's birthday paw-ty!
Paw print cupcakes from Ellen's Creative Cakes , you choose the flavor!
We do all the work, setup and cleanup!
Craft project
Once you have scheduled your birthday party, click here to make your party donation and print your receipt.
I cannot thank you enough for making my daughter Jessica's 6th birthday party so wonderful.They loved playing with the animals, enjoyed the balloon animals and the cake was yummy. The ease of this party on my end made it even more worthwhile. Thank you for unique party experience and all the good work you do. - Jill Reese
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