Goal
To understand the human obligation toward animal companions—pets and working, or service, animals.
Content
The primary focus of this unit is domesticated companion animals, primarily those we call pets. Students will be asked to think about what defines a pet, why we keep pets, and how to care for them. A secondary focus of the unit is the role of working animals in different situations including companion service animals such as guide, medical alert, and other kinds of service dogs, as well as therapy cats. In this unit:
- Students will recognize the physical and emotional needs of animals who are pets. Students will develop character and a sense of responsibility by learning that pets require care and protection.
- Students will develop empathy for animals by seeing how their own needs and happiness are similar to those of animals. Students will become aware of the special body language of some domestic animals/pets (cats, dogs, and rabbits).
- Students will learn about the different ways in which working, or service, animals help people in need.
- Students will explore ways in which other cultures treat animals. Students will understand that in our society inhumane treatment of animals is against the law, and they will learn what they can do to help animals in such situations.
Click here to view California Standards Alignment.