Field Trips and Classroom Visits
Two ways to bring Humane Society of Charlotte learning to your students.
The Humane Society of Charlotte supports teachers, students, and families across our community. Whether you want us to visit your school or bring your class to HSC, our youth programs help students build empathy, learn about animals, and understand their role as compassionate community members.
Now booking for the 2025–2026 school year.
Choose Your Experience
Classroom Visits – We come to your school
Field Trips – Your class visits HSC
Classroom Visits
We Come to Your School. Our staff visit your school to deliver a 45-minute lesson focused on animal care, safety, empathy, and responsible pet ownership. Programs can support your existing curriculum and help students build humane decision-making skills.
Program Overview
• Best For: Grades K–12 (preschool upon request)
• Duration: 45 minutes
• Available: Monday–Friday, 9 am–4 pm
• Group Size: Works best with 24 students or fewer
• Cost: $75 per visit
• Animals: Not guaranteed; dependent on policy and volunteer availability
• CMS Schools: We cannot bring animals to CMS
Classroom Visit Topics
• Pet Care 101
• Breed ID
• Safety Around Animals
• Custom topics available upon request
Classroom Visit FAQ
Is there an age limit?
Programs are designed for grades K–12. Preschool can be approved on a case-by-case basis.
Will students get to pet animals?
Animal interaction is not guaranteed. It depends on volunteer availability, school policy, and animal well-being. Interaction may be stopped at any time for safety.
Why is there a cost?
The fee covers staff time, materials, and supports HSC’s mission as a nonprofit organization.
Book a Classroom Visit
Refund Policy: Full refund available if canceled at least 3 weeks before your scheduled visit. No refunds within 3 weeks.
Field Trips to HSC
Your Class Visits Our Animal Resource Center. Bring your students to HSC for a 90-minute visit that includes a guided educational program and behind-the-scenes tour. Programs help cultivate empathy, compassion, and responsible decision-making for both animals and people.
Field Trip Overview
• Best For: Grades K–12
• Duration: 90 minutes
• Available: Monday–Friday, 11 am–2 pm
• Group Size: Up to 25 students (one class at a time)
• Cost:
– $100 for 1–15 students
– $150 for 16–25 students
• Chaperones: 1 adult per 10 students
• Animals: Interaction not guaranteed; based on well-being & volunteer availability
• Advance Notice: Request must be submitted at least 1 month in advance
Field Trip Class Options
Vet School
Students explore how veterinary teams work together, review real HSC case studies, and practice mock medical decision-making. No hands-on interaction with live animals.
Pet Care 101
Students “adopt” a pretend pet and use a budget to choose supplies. Encourages reasoning, math skills, and problem-solving.
Safety Around Animals
Students learn dog and cat body language and how to safely interact with pets in their community.
Breed ID
Students explore how inherited traits shape behavior and appearance and how this helps us support shelter dogs.
Field Trip FAQ
What should we bring?
Nothing is required. If your class completed a donation drive or made enrichment items, you may bring them with you.
Will we get to pet animals?
We aim to offer interaction when possible, but it is not guaranteed and may be stopped at any time for safety or animal well-being.
Why is there a cost?
The fee covers staff time, materials, and supports HSC’s mission as a nonprofit organization.
Other questions?
Email education@humanecharlotte.org.
Book a Field Trip
Refund Policy: Full refund available if canceled at least 3 weeks in advance. No refunds within 3 weeks.
Teacher Testimonial
“HSC staff engaged our students in learning about social cues of dogs that can help us interpret how they are feeling, helping the students develop a greater sense of empathy. They also did a masterful job tying in our novel, Because of Winn Dixie, with the theme of empathy. It was just the right balance of learning, connecting, and sharing.”
—Amy Ballaban, 4th Grade Teacher, Charlotte Latin
Contact
Need help choosing the right program for your students?
Email education@humanecharlotte.org.