Dog safety and animal education programs
Our Companion Animals Services Team offers free talks to local primary schools and childcare centres. These are on the topic of dog safety and responsible pet ownership.
These presentations aim to educate children about dogs. They teach safe behaviors around them.
Dog Safety
Younger children (K-2). It covers:
- how to read dog body language
- how to touch or pat a dog safely
- how to protect yourself around strange dogs.
Responsible Animal Ownership
Grades 2 to 6. It covers:
- responsible pet ownership (cats and dogs)
- how ‘being responsible’ protects our wildlife and keeps our community safe.
Our officers will talk about their job as an animal ranger. Students will be shown how roaming or problematic animals are looked after in the animal control vehicle so we can take them to the pound for safe keeping while we contact the owners.
Both sessions include a toy dog for children to practice patting and a scanning tool to learn about microchipping and a visit from our dog mascot, Ranger Byron.
Presentation information
The presentations are available in PowerPoint or without if preferred, with plenty of time for questions.
As part of the education program, children will receive an environmentally-friendly goodie bag and free dog leads and collars.
We can also develop individual courses for schools that involve other dog or cat matters of interest.
Our officers have all the necessary qualifications and checks. Bookings can be made for a time that suits your timetable.