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Humane education programs are a popular community outreach method for animal sheltering organizations. While often less directly applicable to relinquishment prevention, these programs still fall into the broad category of safety net programs by fostering a community that values and understands responsible pet ownership. Traditionally, these programs have focused on humane education for children. School‐ or camp‐based humane education programs have a documented positive impact on children’s knowledge of animal husbandry and emotional needs (Muldoon et al. 2016; Tardif‐Williams and Bosacki 2015). In addition, there is evidence of the enhancement of prosocial behavior and empathy in children participating in these programs (Samuels et al. 2016). However, information is lacking regarding the impact of educational programs geared toward adults and the impact of these programs on pet retention.

The benefits of humane education programs for pets and clients vary widely with the scope of the program, and the impact is often less easily measured than for other safety net programs. However, there is value in the connection between the organization and community fostered by these programs and in their potential to enhance the visibility of the organization within the community. Humane education programs are also an excellent opportunity for collaboration between the sheltering organization and community groups such as schools, camps, childcare settings, and adult education programs. Depending on the community and the structure of these programs, these programs can also provide a revenue source for the animal welfare organization.

Like the benefits gained from the implementation of a humane education program, the resource investment required varies widely based on the scope of the program. Single visits by shelter staff to a classroom require minimal resources, while in‐house educational programs such as after‐school programs or camps can be resource intensive. Development of extensive humane education programs requires careful assessment of the available resources of the organization and existing community programs. However, as resources allow, humane education programs can be highly rewarding for shelter staff and volunteers and act as another building block in the connection between the shelter and the community.