Humane Education

Bucks County SPCA provides a comprehensive education program designed to help the welfare of animals in our community. Emphasis is placed on shelter services, pet care, safety, and kindness towards animals with the ages of our audience members in mind. Humane education is extremely important in shaping the future of our society. The respect and empathy that children develop today will be a reflection of what we have done for them. Their future depends on us as well as the future of our animals.

A program may be scheduled for school assemblies, senior centers, scout groups, shelter located tours and more. Each program is approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour in length. It is suggested that children are over 5 years of age for the full presentation. Special program topics are available upon request.

Download Humane Education Lessons & Projects for Your Students!

Visit the Lessons & Projects section of our website to view and print humane education lessons for your students!  The lessons coordinate with a monthly them, for example, February is Adopt A Rabbit Month, the lessons then focus on rabbits.  There will be lessons for all age groups.  Click here to see what lessons are available for this month!

Looking for Service Projects?

Individuals, classes or other groups that are interested in a service or fundraising project for Bucks County SPCA are encouraged to begin their project by reading our list of Service & Fundraising Project Ideas.  Please contact Nikki Thompson, Director of Education & Outreach before beginning your project.  Thank you for your help, we wouldn't be able to help animals without it!

Meet our Humane Education Director, Nikki Thompson

Nikki has been involved with animal care for the past twenty years. Her father was an Animal Control Officer for Lower Makefield Township and Yardley Borough. She learned the tricks of the trade by working with him.

In 2000, she was hired by Lower Makefield Township to replace her father who passed away in 1999. In January of 2006, Nikki began working for the Bucks County SPCA which was a natural addition to her career.

Her work at the SPCA involves all facets of animal care and welfare. She has attended training hosted by the National Animal Control Association and is also a Humane Society Police Officer. She attended Bucks County Community College, studying criminal justice and hopes to complete her degree in that field. Nikki has wonderful husband at home who understands the nature of her position which requires a twenty-four hour a day commitment and two children who ride along to help with animal calls and work at the shelter.

Her life would not be complete without Jake, a 8 year-old long haired cat and Binx a 6 year-old short haired cat. She also has three dogs; Gwen a 6 year-old Miniature Pincher Mix, Fiona a 2 year old Labrador Retriever Mix and Ruby a 4 month old Havanese who was adopted from the shelter in May.. Ruby helps Nikki with her humane education presentation as a Bucks County SPCA Alumni

Humane Education Director, Nikki Thompson and Humane Education Dog, Ruby, leading a tour of our shelter

Dog Law/Legislative Education

The Bucks County SPCA actively works with other humane organizations to pursue legislative change to continue protecting animals in Pennsylvania. We need your help and support. For more information about:

• Pennsylvania Dog Law
• Humane or Case Law
• Legislative updates
• Or a list of other humane organizations in Pennsylvania

Visit the Federated Humane Societies of Pennsylvania web site.