Community Education
Opening Maryland’s hearts to animals
MD SPCA’s Humane Education programs create space for children and adults in our community to explore the needs and well-being of animals while fostering a deeper understanding between people and pets.
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.
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 2026 Reading Hours:.
School Year (5–6 PM) – First Tuesday of each month
- Feb 3, Mar 3, Apr 7
- Sep 1, Oct 6, Nov 3, Dec 1
Summer (1–2 PM)
- Jun 16, 23, 30
- Jul 7, 14, 21, 28
- Aug 4, 11
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.
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