Are you up for the challenge? 

Animal Welfare Warriors is an elevated learning experience is for 13-15 year-olds who are motivated to understand and be active in the world of animal welfare. Participants will see the Humane Society of Chittenden County from the inside and will learn directly from the staff. We will cover shelter medicine, the history of animal welfare, what it takes to run an animal shelter, our community’s needs, open adoptions and the process of taking in animals and caring for them. At the end of this week long adventure graduates will be able to advocate for animals in need and speak to the role that shelters play in our community.

This is not your average animal lover’s program! Students will be involved in hands-on learning and exploration.

2025 Dates: 

Monday June 23rd - Friday June 27th 
8:30AM - 12:30PM
Cost: $300
Limit 10 students per session. 

How to Apply:

Starting December 16th, 2024, you may complete the initial Animal Welfare Warriors application below. This application does not guarantee placement in session.

Applications received between December 16th  - December 30th, 2024 will be entered into our initial placement process. Applicants will be notified by email 1-2 weeks after the initial application period about either placement in a session or on the waitlist. 

If your child or children are placed in a session, you will receive a link to complete your registration. Applications received after December 30th, 2024 will be considered first come, first served for remaining openings or for the waitlist. 

Basic Overview of Curriculum:

• Introduction to HSCC, the history of animal welfare and shelter medicine
• Intake/relinquishment of animals and adoptions
• Animal socializing, feral cat colonies/TNR Program, and animal cruelty investigations
• Dog training/behavior, dog genetics, and breed-specific labeling

As a working humane society, we provide care for animals with a wide variety of personalities, behavioral and medical needs. Although campers/students will see animals during their program, we cannot promise a certain amount of direct animal contact.

HSCC Program Refund Policy: 

In the event of cancellation, refunds will only be issued if requested prior to 14 days before the 1st day of the program to allow time for program spots to be filled.

Learn more about our other humane education programs: Camp Paw Paw and Humane Heroes Workshop!