Cape Coral Animal Shelter reaches more than 1,100 children through humane education programs
Cape Coral Animal Shelter is celebrating another successful summer of inspiring compassion, responsibility and safe interactions with pets by reaching more than 525 children through its annual community summer camp education program.
Now in its sixth consecutive year, the shelter’s popular summer outreach program brings interactive, age-appropriate presentations to children attending camps throughout the Cape Coral community. Through engaging discussions, demonstrations and hands-on learning, children discover how to safely approach unfamiliar dogs, understand animal body language, practice responsible pet care and develop empathy for animals.
This year’s program reached children at community centers, parks, youth programs and schools throughout the city, continuing a tradition that has impacted thousands of local children over the past six summers.
The summer camp initiative complements the shelter’s in-classroom humane education program, which was launched last year and continues to grow. Since its inception, the classroom program has reached 623 pre-K through fifth-grade students, 50 adults with special needs, nine schools and 30 classrooms.
The program began with its first presentation to 82 kindergarten and first-grade students and has expanded into a valued educational resource for local schools.
“Our mission extends far beyond finding homes for homeless animals,” said Liz McCauley, executive director of Cape Coral Animal Shelter. “Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to create a more compassionate community. When children learn how to safely and respectfully interact with animals, they’re not only helping prevent bites and injuries — they’re developing kindness, empathy, and respect that will last a lifetime. Those lessons benefit both people and pets.”
The shelter’s summer camp program is led by volunteer Thomas Ellegood, a retired Lee County Sheriff’s Office professional whose passion for children and natural ability to connect with young audiences has made him a favorite among campers. Throughout the summer, he is joined by a dedicated team of volunteers who help make each presentation engaging, educational, and fun.
The in-classroom education initiative is led by retired educator Karen Huston, along with a committee of committed volunteers who work closely with local schools to provide meaningful, interactive lessons that reinforce responsible pet ownership and animal welfare.
Together, the two programs have reached more than 1,100 children and adults through classroom presentations and community outreach, demonstrating the shelter’s ongoing commitment to education as a vital part of its mission.
For more about the Cape Coral Animal Shelter and its programs, visit capecoralanimalshelter.com.