Standards + Ethics of Humane Education

Humane education standards focus on fostering empathy, compassion, and responsible behavior towards animals, people, and the environment. These standards aim to empower individuals to become ethical and compassionate decision-makers.

Animal Welfare:

  • Understanding the basic needs of animals (food, water, shelter, exercise, companionship).

  • Recognizing and respecting the rights and feelings of animals.

  • Demonstrating empathy and compassion towards animals.

  • Exploring the relationship between humans and animals, including pet ownership and responsible stewardship.

Social Justice + Equity:

  • Recognizing and challenging stereotypes and biases related to animals, people, and the environment.

  • Advocating for the rights  of animals.

  • Promoting inclusivity, diversity, and respect for all living beings.

Environmental Stewardship:

  • Understanding the interconnectedness of all living things and ecosystems.

  • Recognizing the impact of human actions on the environment.

  • Exploring sustainability practices and conservation efforts.

  • Taking action to protect and preserve natural habitats and biodiversity.

Global Citizenship:

  • Taking action to address global issues through advocacy, community service, and responsible consumer choices.

  • Collaborating with others to create positive change locally and globally.

Ethical Decision Making:

  • Reflecting on personal values and beliefs related to animals, people, and the environment.

  • Evaluating the ethical implications of different choices and actions.

  • Making informed and compassionate decisions that promote the well-being of all living beings.

Silhouettes of animals on a globe, featuring a dog, cat, bird, rabbit, and butterfly, symbolizing environmental and wildlife themes.

Resources available on this site for sale will be NGSS aligned —

K-LS1-1 From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes —

Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.

K-ESS3-3 Earth and Human Activity —

Communicate solutions that will reduce the impact of humans on the land, water, air, and/or other living things in the local environment.*

K-ESS2-2 Earth's Systems —

Construct an argument supported by evidence for how plants and animals (including humans) can change the environment to meet their needs.

K-ESS3-1 Earth and Human Activity —

Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants and animals (including humans) and the places they live.

Silhouettes of animals on a globe, featuring a dog, cat, rabbit, bird, and butterfly.
Close-up of a brown and white cow in a grassy field with mountains and fog in the background.
Baby elephant standing in dry grass between adult elephants.
Close-up of a sheep with others in the background in a field.

The Five Freedoms are internationally accepted standards of care that affirm every living being's right to humane treatment. These standards were developed by Britain's Farm Animal Welfare Council in 1965 and adapted by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians for companion animals in shelters. 

  • Freedom from thirst, hunger, and malnutrition

  • Freedom from discomfort

  • Freedom from pain, injury, and disease

  • Freedom to express normal behavior

  • Freedom from fear and distress

Rewritten in Kid Friendly language:

1. I will make sure animals have enough food and water to stay healthy and full.

2. I can help animals feel cozy and comfy, without anything bothering them.

3. I will make sure animals don't feel hurt, sick, or in pain.

4. I can help animals do things they like to do, like play and explore.

5. I will make sure animals feel safe and happy, without being scared or worried.

Timeline of humane education milestones from 1824 to 1940, highlighting significant events in animal welfare education and advocacy, including the formation of the RSPCA and ASPCA, publications, and the establishment of Bands of Mercy.
Timeline of humane education and environmental initiatives from 1954 to 2004, including the founding of PETA, Earth Day, and legislative mandates for humane education in various states.

The primary goals of Humane Education are to promote an understanding of the sociological and psychological dimensions of empathy, compassion and kindness towards animals, people and the natural world.