The SMAS has several programs aimed at educating the community about responsible pet ownership and the importance of animal shelters within communities. We work with several organizations in Mahaska county to host educational tour groups and we frequently visit schools and groups within the community to provide education. We plan our visits with group leaders to taylor our educational content to the audience we will be presenting to in order to ensure that groups are provided with a relevant, fun, educational experience!

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Because every group is different, we do not have specific programs that group leaders must choose from with regards to curriculum or activities. Generally, group leaders contact us with their own ideas! Examples of past community outreach activities include:​

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• Classroom visits to Oskaloosa Elementary School to teach students about responsible pet ownership during their annual "Pennies for Pets" fundraiser

• Attending 4H, FFA, Church group, etc... meetings to accept collected donations and do Q&A 

• Bringing shelter dogs to the Wilcox Library at William Penn University during finals week to provide stress relief for students

• Visits to assisted living facilities with a shelter pet

• Group tours at our facility for various community clubs

• Attending Kiwanis an Optimist club meetings to make presentations on the operation of SMAS and how SMAS serves as a valuable resource to the community

 

If you would like to invite an SMAS representative to come out and speak to your group or club, please Contact Us.