Humane Education
Our Humane Education programs offer fun and innovative ways for community members to advocate for the humane treatment of all animals and to explore the special bond between humans and animals. From Tours and Volunteering to Camps and Youth Programs, there's something for everyone!
Youth Programs
Animal Advocates Club - begins 9/23/25
Animal Advocate Academy is a fun and educational program where kids can explore their love for animals while learning how to make a difference. Through clubs, classes, and hands-on activities, children discover animal care, advocacy, and the many ways people work with and help animals. The Academy gives kids the chance to grow their knowledge, build compassion, and become confident animal advocates in their own communities.
Volunteering
We provide youth volunteer opportunities for young volunteers to get involved through our Pawsitive Impact Program, Teenternships, and Junior Board, using their voices to implement their creative ideas, all while advocating for animals.
Camps
Our strive to show young people how to use their individual skills and voices to express their emotions, advocate, and care for animals while treating pets and people with respect.
Single Day Camps will be posted Soon!
NEW - Storytime at HHS Caregiver & Child - 9/23/25 (we will add more dates each month)
Bring your child for a special storytime at Hinsdale Humane Society! Together, you’ll enjoy listening to an animal-themed story, then create a fun craft inspired by the tale. This interactive session blends imagination, creativity, and early literacy skills with quality parent–child time, all while sharing in the joy of animals. (and a special animal visit)
Ages: Children 3yrs - 5yrs
Cost: $10
Advanced Sign Up Needed:
Youth Group Tours
We offer engaging, educational tours at HHS, for schools, scout troops, clubs, and other youth groups. These visits give young people a behind-the-scenes look at our shelter, introduce them to the animals in our care, and highlight the important work of our staff and volunteers.
Tour Details & What to Expect:
Tours begin in our Humane Education Center, where your group will learn about our mission, our daily operations, and how we care for animals in need. Tours include a visit with one of our adoptable animals, depending on the age of the group and the availability of pets suitable for interaction.
Each tour also includes a hands-on project to benefit the shelter & designed to connect the group with our work in a meaningful way.
For HHS in house tours, 20 people are the maximum allowed. Groups larger than 10, participants will be split into smaller groups when entering animal care areas. We ask that only the youth group members (e.g., students, scouts, club members) and required chaperones attend, please no siblings or additional guests, as content and activities are tailored by age.
Audience: Appropriate for elementary through high school students
Group Size: Up to 20 total participants, which should include at least 2 adult chaperones
Duration: Approximately 45 minutes
Cost: $5 donation per person (if fundraising for HHS, per person donation will of course be waived- we can discuss options during scheduling)
Optional Add On: HHS Scout/Care Badges $5 per person
Scheduling: Please fill out interest form below:
Questions, email [email protected]
Books Barks Meows Ages 4+
Young readers ages 4+ are invited to our facility with a parent or guardian to sit in front of our dog or cat kennels and read to our pets. This program is designed to help develop youth reading skills, while providing enrichment for our homeless animals. Our cats and dogs love the attention and enjoy being read to from novels, non-fiction, picture books, and even schoolwork!
This is a walk-in program, so come in during open hours at HHS, no sign-up required. Please note that we allow a maximum of two children each hour. Also, during busy times, visits and animal availability are at the discretion of HHS.
