Community Education

Opening children's
hearts to animals

The MD SPCA teaches children compassion toward animals, helping them grow into responsible, caring adults.
Students reading and petting dog

Wagging Tales TLC is a teacher-led curriculum designed for classrooms from Pre-K through 12th grade. The program features engaging lessons that foster empathy and compassion for animals while also strengthening students’ literacy skills.

Participating classrooms receive a visit from our humane education team and a dog ambassador, along with reading materials, digital copies of grade-appropriate lessons, activities, and additional resources. Each teacher also receives a Wagging Tales TLC t-shirt, a tote bag, and a classroom “adopted” stuffed dog.

Student reading to shelter dog during Wagging Tales program

Wagging Tales Reading Hour is a special program designed to create a safe, judgment-free space where children ages 6 to 12 can practice their reading skills while learning about animal shelters and the importance of compassion for pets. The program also highlights the value of the human-animal bond, as reading to dogs provides meaningful enrichment for the animals and a calming, confidence-building experience for young readers.

Dates for 2025 Reading Hours:.

Summer (8-week session):

  • June 17th, 24th, July 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th, and August 5th.

Winter (4-week session):

  • December 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 23rd.

Times:

  • On school days, Reading Hours will be from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

  • During school breaks, the times will be 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Maryland SPCA Staff member at educational training
Wagging Tales Continuing Education logo

Wagging Tales Continuing Education is a program designed to provide educational resources that support and strengthen the animal-human bond. Geared toward adults and adult-serving institutions, the program includes presentations led by a member of our humane education team and a dog ambassador. Topics include disaster preparedness, animal behavior and safety, empowered companion pet care, and other resource-focused sessions.

Every year during the Kindness for Paws Art Show, the Maryland SPCA celebrates pets who’ve been adopted by having K-12 students draw their likeness. Art classes across Baltimore County and Baltimore City participate, allowing children to creatively explore compassion, empathy, respect, and kindness.
 
The Art Show culminates in an exhibition at White Marsh Mall. Art is also displayed online at KindnessForPaws.org.

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