Our Community of Caring
Are you looking for a way for your family to get involved in our community of caring? If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you! Anti-Cruelty’s Kids Who Care program offers families an opportunity to engage in our work while providing valuable education to kids and adults alike!
Whether making enrichment toys, preparing snacks for our adoptable animals, or learning about animal care, your family will have the chance to make a direct impact on the life of a shelter pet.
Who: Families with children between the ages of 3–9. One registration can include ONE or TWO children and at least one parent/guardian.
When: Saturdays, 11–12:30 a.m.
Where: Anti-Cruelty, 157 W. Grand Ave.
Cost: The cost of registration is $5 per family. If you are attending with two children, please consider making an addition donation.
What are the benefits of the Kids Who Care program?
- Introduces children to basic pet care
- Offers children the chance to meet an adoptable pet
- Teaches safety around animals
- Encourages feelings of empathy
- Creates a sense of pride in giving back to the community
- Paves the way for a lifelong ethic of service
What will we be doing during the Kids Who Care event?
- A member of our Community Programs team will kick off your visit with a short presentation about the organization, along with basic animal safety information.
- Following the presentation, families will have the opportunity to take part in a variety of mini volunteer and learning activities, which may include:
• Preparing a snack to feed to one of our small animals, such as a rabbit or guinea pig
• Creating art for our Adoption Lobby
- Learn about animal careers through play
• Come join Anti-Cruelty's Kids Who Care program and enjoy this fun and interactive engagement while learning more about Chicago’s oldest and largest animal welfare organization!
For more information, contact learn@anticruelty.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
My child is allergic to cats but still wants to take part. Is that possible?
All of the activities in the Kids Who Care program can be tailored for each family depending on age, allergies, experience and comfort level. Simply email our staff coordinator after registering for an event so that we can have alternate activities available for you during your visit.
My child has peanut allergies. Are you a peanut-free facility?
Though we do not use peanut butter in this particular program, Anti-Cruelty is not a peanut-free facility as we utilize peanut butter throughout the building as an enrichment item for dogs in our care. Thus, participation of children with peanut allergies is at parental discretion.
How many children can you accommodate per family?
We ask that there is one adult attendee per no more than two children.
Do you allow for people other than parents or guardians to attend (such as grandparent or babysitter)?
We welcome other adults to accompany your child to a Kids Who Care event but require that a special waiver be completed first. To make special arrangements, please contact our Experiential Learning Team directly at learn@anticruelty.org.