Through JHS’s Homeschool Helpers program, homeschool students have the unique opportunity to delve into the world of animal welfare via interactive lessons and hands-on service projects that help the pets at JHS and support our lifesaving mission. Our program fosters connection among homeschoolers, providing a vibrant community for learning and exploration.
Homeschool Helpers
Homeschool Helpers – 2026 Themes + Dates
Homeschool Helpers is a drop-off program designed for students ages 7-14 and includes 10 monthly sessions exploring various pet-related topics and themes. Each session includes a lesson, hands-on activities and service projects benefiting JHS, and the opportunity to meet a JHS pet (depending on the availability of a suitable animal). Due to JHS Summer Camp, Homeschool Helpers does not take place in June or July.
Check out all of our dates and themes below. If registering for multiple sessions, we recommend using this link.
January 21, 2026 – “All About Dogs”
Get ready for a barking good time as we dive into the exciting universe of dogs! Students will learn how to decode doggy language, discover how pups see the world (hint: not with their eyes!), and lend a helping paw by creating fun toys and tasty treats for the dogs at JHS. We may even get to meet a new furry friend!
Times: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Ages: 7-14
Cost: $25 per student
February 18, 2026 – “All About Cats”
Join us on a whisker-waving adventure as we learn “All About Cats”! Students will learn how to decode cat language and discover exactly what catnip is. We’ll get hands-on crafting fishy treats and cozy cat beds to make the felines at JHS feel like royalty. We may even get to meet a new furry friend or two!
Times: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Ages: 7-14
Cost: $25 per student
March 11, 2026 – “Promote-a-Pet”
Students will become adoption heroes in this pet promoters workshop! We’ll learn the art of promoting pets available for adoption and unleash our creativity to help some dogs and cats at JHS find their new, loving homes. From creating eye-catching and informative posters to designing social media posts, we’ll make a real difference for pets in need. We may even get to meet a new furry friend!
Times: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Ages: 7-14
Cost: $25 per student
April 15, 2026 – “Kitten Around”
JHS takes in nearly 4,000 kittens every year during Kitten Season. Me-wow! In this session we’ll learn the ins and outs of how and why JHS takes in so many kittens each year, how we care for them and create some special items to provide extra special TLC for these tiny babies. Get ready for a kitten-packed day of learning, crafting, and making a difference for the tiniest residents of JHS.
Times: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Ages: 7-14
Cost: $25 per student
May 20, 2026 – “What Pets Need”
In this session, students will learn exactly what pets need to be happy and healthy and discover that people and animals really aren’t so different! We’ll explore the Five Freedoms of animal welfare and gain an understanding of what pets need to thrive. We may even get to meet a new furry friend!
Times: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Ages: 7-14
Cost: $25 per student
August 19, 2026 – “Critter Cuisine”
Calling all future chefs and animal enthusiasts! This one’s for you. We’ll learn all about dog and cat nutrition and which foods are safe and unsafe for our furry friends to eat. We’ll use our newfound knowledge to concoct our own dog food recipes and find out which cuisine reigns supreme.
Times: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Ages: 7-14
Cost: $25 per student
September 16, 2026 – “Animal Art”
Students will have the chance to unleash their inner “Paw-casso” at this session where creativity meets compassion. We’ll explore various art techniques to create eye-catching masterpieces aimed at helping the pets at JHS find loving homes. We may even get to meet a new furry friend!
Times: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Ages: 7-14
Cost: $25 per student
October 21, 2026 – “Stress & Enrichment”
During this session we’ll unravel the mysteries of stress in both humans and animals and explore ways to keep everyone feeling calm. We’ll get crafty and make some “pawesome” goodies to help our shelter buddies relax in their kennels. And we may even get to meet a furry friend or two!
Times: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Ages: 7-14
Cost: $25 per student
November 18, 2026 – “STEM Tails”
Gear up for a STEM adventure at JHS! How can science, technology, engineering, and math help pets in shelters? Let’s find out together! During this session students will have the opportunity to construct innovative cat castles, delve into the fascinating world of microchips and facial recognition software, and more. We may even get to meet a new furry friend!
Times: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Ages: 7-14
Cost: $25 per student
December 16, 2026 – “Vet Explorers”
Grab your scrubs and stethoscopes – it’s time for a hands-on exploration into the world of veterinary medicine! Students will dive into the exciting roles of veterinarians and vet techs and get to try out real veterinary skills like drawing up vaccines, identifying parasites through a microscope, reading X-rays, and more.
Times: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Ages: 7-14
Cost: $25 per student
For more information, contact the Education Department:
