Meeting the Needs of Companion Animals
Whether your students have animal companions at home or know someone else who does, it’s important for them to understand the responsibility that comes with being a companion animal’s guardian. This responsibility is often underestimated, and when the animals’ essential needs and desires are not taken into consideration, they can suffer, finding themselves neglected or even abandoned and once again waiting endlessly for a new home.
The Needs of Our Animal Companions
Create a T-chart to start a discussion with your students about the things a companion animal needs in order to thrive. Reiterate that our animal companions are dependent on us to provide for them. Have students list on one side the things that we, as human beings, need in order to live a healthy and happy life. Then, have them list the things that our animal companions need in order to live a healthy and happy life on the other side. Discuss the similarities between human needs and companion animal needs.
Here are some helpful suggestions for the ‘Companion Animals’ section:
- A comfortable indoor home
- Plenty of nutritious food
- Constant access to fresh water
- Lots of opportunities for exercise
- A competent veterinarian
- Endless amounts of love and attention
Continue the discussion by emphasizing the importance of understanding the needs, likes, and dislikes of animals in order to care for them properly. Emphasize that companion animals are not just living beings but also loving companions. Use the Venn Diagram activities below to help students learn how to care for companion animals beyond just their basic physical needs.
Share the World Activity Sheets
Grades K–2: Venn Diagrams
Grades 3–5: Venn Diagrams
Someone, Not Something Activity Packets
Use these activities to emphasize the importance of recognizing all animals, including our animal companions, as living beings with their own needs and wants.
Grades K-2: ‘Living or Nonliving?’ Worksheets
Grades 3-5: ‘Someone, Not Something’ Worksheets
While the thought of welcoming an animal friend is truly exciting, it’s important to remember that adopting an animal is a long-term commitment. These wonderful companions thrive when they receive plenty of love, time, and attention from their guardians, allowing them to live happy, fulfilling lives.
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