Animals are sentient beings which means they have feelings just like us and have needs just like us – talking to communities about this is the starting point of education, and also the only way we'll end the abuse, abandonment, and neglect our animals face.

Owning a pet like a cat or a dog is a huge responsibility and something that costs time, money and dedication. It is not a decision that should be taken lightly and never the responsibility of child, and always one for an adult. Talking about owned animals such as dogs and cats is often the starting point of much deeper conversations at community level about pets, wild animals and even the environment.

Education at community level takes place in the form of community projects, school holiday programmes at public libraries, talks on pet care at community halls, schools, play schools, libraries and other. The FOUR PAWS Close To Animals - Teachers Training Manual, or elements of this, is used in most educational instances and in future we also want to up-skill teachers, educators, caretakers and community leaders to use our manual to educate their own communities.  

If you are interested in talks at your school, community or any event, please feel free to contact our Education Coordinator Tanya via email: tanya.van.tonder@four-paws.org