Thank you for your interest in the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center's Helping Hounds Humane Education Program. The program is designed for middle school students, ages 11 through 13, who are interested in learning about and helping animals at MSRPAC. During each program session, students will complete 24 Service and learning hours over an 8-week period and will receive a letter to document their volunteer service as well as a certification of completion.
Each week, students will be involved in numerous hands-on opportunities at our Center to help the needs of our pets. This will include:
- Learning canine and feline anatomy, physiology, and common illnesses
- Conducting medical observation rounds
- Socializing animals
- Creating sensory enrichment items for center residents
- Learning how to clean and set up dog kennels and cat condos for resident arrivals
- Learning about the adoption process
- Observing a spay/neuter surgery at our on-site clinic
- Learning about animal body language and behavior
- Participating in a fundraising project.
Register for one or our 2023/24 Sessions:
Still need more information? Email us at or 951-344-1032
Many middle schools in Riverside County are now requiring Service Hours. Please note, Helping Hounds Program may not count towards the mandatory requirements. It is up to the student/parent to check with their school’s Advisor or Counselor to find out what is required of the student in order to complete their Service Hours. However, if a student’s school is not requiring them, students are welcome to apply to the Helping Hounds Program at Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center to gain personal growth to later use on college applications, put on their resume when they reach a working age, etc.