One of the VBSPCA’s missions is to transform children into compassionate advocates through immersive humane education. That might mean Tale for Two, which pairs a young reader with an animal to make reading more fun while boosting confidence in both pet and person. Along the way, respect, empathy, kindness, and compassion are woven into the experience. Other kid-centric programs—from Shelter Pet Pals, where first graders correspond with shelter animals, to interactive Kids Night In events—are fun-filled and educational.
Young animal lovers ages 3–11 can explore the shelter on tours, engage with Little Learners storytelling, or dive into Animal Heroes, an online arcade that focuses on pet parenting, pet safety, and animal welfare. The quarterly Pawsitive Press newsletter delivers animal education directly to homes, while virtual seasonal activities keep compassion growing year-round.
“As Social Emotional Learning (SEL) becomes an increasing focus in schools, our programs play a critical role in helping students develop empathy, responsibility, and compassion—not just for animals but the world around them,” says Bryel Watson, VBSPCA’s humane education manager. “The connection between animal welfare and human character development is profound, and by reaching children early, we can help eliminate animal suffering while fostering a society rooted in empathy and care for all living beings.” VBSPCA.com
This article originally appeared in the Best of Virginia 2025 issue.
