Care for Animals

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Become a Community Scientist

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Support scientists with hands-on efforts.

Thanks to smartphones, computers, and evolving technology, you can discover, learn about, and contribute to scientific research projects from anywhere in the world. SciStarter.com creates a shared space where people of all ages can get involved with the scientific process and scientists can crowdsource new data.

Possible recipients

Choose among hundreds of research projects searchable through SciStarter.com. Some are online only. Others get you out into nature. Still others put you to work analyzing results.

What you’ll need

  • Computer and internet access

  • Supplies vary depending on the project you choose

Instructions

  1. Register for a free account with SciStarter.com.

  2. As a family, browse available projects based on location and interest area. Educational projects with extra learning tools are available too.

  3. Choose a project and follow its instructions.

  4. Rate and review the project to inspire other community scientists.

  5. Some projects we recommend include:

Reflection Questions

  • What surprised you about doing citizen science? 

  • How has the experience changed your understanding of what science is or what scientists do?

  • What did you learn about community science? Do you think it is important or exciting? Why or why not?

  • What projects did you find most interesting? What projects did you find least interesting?

  • What project did you select and why? What do you think its impact will be?

  • Once you've completed your project, think of one or two related ideas you are curious about. How would you find the answers to those questions?

  • What are the limitations and possible challenges of engaging science enthusiasts in scientific research?

  • What are the benefits of encouraging everyone to participate in science?

Resources

  • Ruby’s Birds by Mya Thompson
    Join Ruby in discovering the fun of birdwatching, a pastime you can pursue wherever you are! Learn Ruby’s tips for taking nature walks, find out how to spot birds in your neck of the woods, and connect with Celebrate Urban Birds, a community science project at the Cornell Lab.

Take it further

Disclaimer:  Doing Good Together™ is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

The recommendations we offer are based solely on our mission to empower parents to raise children who care and contribute.

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Advocate for Animals

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Raise your voice for endangered creatures.

Encourage your child to speak up for endangered animals with this unique project. Equal parts art project and advocacy letter, this project is an excellent introduction to active citizenship.

Invite your child to draw a picture or write a letter to advocate for their favorite animal.

Possible recipients

Elected officials, whether local, state, or federal.

What you’ll need

  • Drawing paper

  • Markers, crayons, or colored pencils

  • Notepaper

  • Envelop and stamp (if mailing)

Instructions

Get inspired with this fun video!

First, choose an animal friend in need of help.

  • Take half an hour or so to learn about endangered animals.
    Discover endangered animals in your state by visiting the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

  • Or take a global view and choose an animal from the World Wildlife Federation's complete global species list.

  • Help your child choose an animal to champion. As your child gets to know their chosen animal, be sure to answer these questions:

    • Why is this animal endangered?

    • What is this animal's greatest threat?

    • Who is working to protect this species? How?

    • What can our elected officials do to protect this creature and its ecosystem?

Second, illustrate the problem.

  • Gather drawing materials and create artwork featuring your chosen animal and its greatest threat.

  • Be sure your child signs their name and age.

Third, write a letter to your elected official.

  • Look up your congressional leaders here.

  • Write a letter asking your chosen official. Ask them to support policies that protect the animal and its ecosystem.

  • Mail (scan and email) your creation to your elected leaders.

  • Post the name, email address, phone numbers, and photo of your elected leaders in a prominent place - perhaps the refrigerator - in case your family has future issues to bring up.

  • If you get a response, post that as well!

Reflection questions

Resources

  • A Boy and a Jaguar by Alan Robinowitz
    Meet Alan, a boy who loves animals. In fact, he struggles with a stutter unless he's speaking to animals. Alan has to overcome his stutter and find his voice when he encounters a zoo whose animals are in a sad state. Can one young voice make a difference?

  • Gamba - An Optimistic Mountain Gorilla Tale by DJ Burk
    Gamba is busy learning everything a gorilla needs to know to thrive with her family in the wild until tragedy strikes. Although people were responsible for Gamba's hardship, the kindness of humans also helps him in the end. This book will start a thoughtful conversation about how humans can make things better for animals.

Take it further

Disclaimer:  Doing Good Together™ is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

The recommendations we offer are based solely on our mission to empower parents to raise children who care and contribute.

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Assemble and Share Seed Bombs

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Assemble colorful habitat starters to support pollinators.

These compostable, natural balls of clay will hold seeds until they break down in the sun, air, and weather, unleashing a colorful, nutritious treat for pollinators.

Possible Recipients

Mix up a batch of seed bombs to plant in your backyard! Share them with friends. Work with your school or youth group plant them around your organization’s campus. Or try your hand at guerilla gardening!

What you’ll need

Avoid commercial wildflower mixes, as they are likely to contain invasive species.

Avoid commercial wildflower mixes, as they are likely to contain invasive species.

  • Dry clay powder (like this from Seed-balls.com)

  • Variety of native seeds from your area (Note: this is important! Call a local nursery for guidance!) Here are helpful tools:

  • Compost, manure, or worm castings

  • Water

  • Measuring cups, a bowl or bucket, and large spoons for mixing

Instructions

This beautiful book will inspire your young seed bomb makers and introduce more creative ways your family can support a strong monarch population and connect with bug life.

  1. Plan your measurements in a ratio of 5 parts clay - 1 part compost - 1 part seeds

  1. Mix compost and seeds well.

  2. Add dry clay.

  3. Slowly add water, a few tablespoons at a time, and mix until a moist but not wet meal forms and can be pressed together. If you add too much water, add clay to get the proper consistency.

  4. Flatten dough and cut it into equal parts.

  5. Roll each part into a ball about the size of a ping pong ball.

  6. Dry the balls until ready to disseminate to your destination.

  7. Give your seed balls their best chance to germinate by sinking them about halfway in the surrounding soil, especially if planting in a backyard or school campus. Watch for results!

  8. If guerilla gardening, use native milkweed seeds and toss them under power lines or along roadsides.

Reflections

  • How important are pollinators, anyway? Check out this National Geographic video to learn the answer.

  • How do you feel when you see a butterfly or a bee pollinating a flower?

Take it further

Resources

Discover more titles to inspire your next project to heal the earth with this growing list.

Disclaimer:  Doing Good Together™ is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

The recommendations we offer are based solely on our mission to empower parents to raise children who care and contribute.

Bake Dog Biscuits

Create shareable treats for furry friends.

Share these treats with shelter dogs, canine neighbors, or host a pet treat bake sale to raise funds for an animal shelter near you!

Possible recipients

Many local Animal Humane Societies and animal shelters appreciate donations of homemade treats.

What you’ll need

  • Large bowl

  • Rolling pin

  • 1/2 cup cornmeal

  • 6 tbsp oil

  • 2 cups whole wheat flour

  • 2/3 cup water or broth

  • Cookie sheet

  • Cookie cutters (especially dog-bone shaped!)

  • Container

Instructions

  • Call your nearest animal shelter first to be sure they can use the dog biscuits you make. Ask when to drop them off and whether you can get a tour or visit with the animals.

  • To make the dog biscuits: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients together well. Roll out to 1/4 inch thick. Cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Bake 35-40 minutes, let cool, and store in a tightly sealed container.

Reflections

  • Why is it fun to spend time with animals?

  • Why is it important to care for animals that don’t have a home?

  • How do you think a dog might feel to get a special treat? How do you feel when you receive a special treat?

  • What are other ways we can help animals in need?

  • Discuss the many wordless ways animals show their feelings -- pain, hunger, excitement, loneliness. Ask your children how those emotions and responses are similar to their own.

Resources

  • Maggie’s Second Chance by Nancy Furstinger
    Ages 4-8. Jeff and his 4th-grade classmates save Maggie, a rescue dog, by petitioning the town council to establish an animal shelter. Based on a true story.

  • Buddy Unchained by Daisy Bix Ages 4-8. The story of a dog that was abused before finding himself in a loving home.

  • The Shelter Dog by Christine Davis
    Ages 4-8. Hero, an angel dog, decides he wants to go back to earth to be a shelter dog so a loving family can choose him as their pet. Slowly he realizes that living in a shelter isn’t as nice as it appears.

  • A Dog’s Life: Autobiography of a Stray by Ann M. Martin
    Ages 9-12. A puppy separated from its family must learn how to survive on its own.

Take it further

  • When you deliver your goodies, spend some time playing with the animals. See if you can get a tour of the shelter and ask about other ways you can help out.

  • Consider fostering animals, which means providing a temporary (a few days to a few months) home for animals that require special attention because they are very young, sick, or because the shelter has limited space.

  • Offer to assist an elderly neighbor or friend who might need help with dog walking or other pet care.

  • Make other pet treats or toys for animals at the shelter.

    Browse the projects in our Big-Hearted Families Tookit!

Disclaimer:  Doing Good Together™ is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

The recommendations we offer are based solely on our mission to empower parents to raise children who care and contribute.

Create Pet Toys

Entertain furry friends with an easy craft.

Helping animals is a surefire way to get your child excited about doing good.

Crafty kids and their families can make toys for dogs, cats, and even guinea pigs and bunnies!

Possible recipients

Entertain neighborhood pet friends or donate them to your local animal shelter.

What you’ll need:

FOR CAT TOYS

  • Infant or child-size crew socks (make sure they are new!)

  • Cotton balls or craft stuffing

  • Dried catnip

  • Non-toxic permanent fabric markers

  • Non-toxic washable fabric glue (unless you prefer tying a knot)

FOR DOG TOYS

  • 3 pieces of fleece (about 7-10 inches) per toy

FOR GUINEA PIG OR BUNNY TOYS

  • Toilet paper rolls

  • Timothy Hay (available at pet stores)

  • Non-toxic permanent markers

Instructions

Before you begin, call your local animal shelter. Find out what their immediate needs are and ask if they can use pet toys.

CAT TOYS

  • Stuff the sock’s toe with 1 tablespoon of catnip. Stuff the foot of the sock with cotton balls or craft stuffing. Squeeze fabric glue on the inside of the sock’s ribbing to glue the sock closed, or knot the top of the sock. Decorate with fabric markers.

DOG TOYS

  • Take 3 pieces of fleece, knot at one end, braid, and knot at the other end. See more specific instructions here.

  • When you deliver the toys, see if you can play with the animals or get a tour.

GUINEA PIG OR BUNNY TOYS

  • Decorate the toilet paper tubes.

  • Stuff empty toilet paper tubes with Timothy Hay.

  • See more specific instructions here.

Reflections

  • What do you like about being around animals?

  • How do you think the dog or cat that receives your toy will feel?

  • Why is it important to help out living things other than people?

  • What are other ways we can show animals we love them?

Resources

  • Before You Were Mine by Maribeth Boelts (Putnam Juvenile, 2007). Ages 4-8. A young boy thinks about the life of his dog before he adopted him from an animal shelter.

  • Shelter Dogs: Amazing Stories of Adopted Strays by Peg Kehret (Albert Whitman & Company, 1999). Ages 8-12. A collection of stories about previously stray dogs that became heroes.

  • Kind News A fun interactive website from the Humane Society of the United States about how kids can get involved in animal rights issues.

Take it further

  • When you deliver the toys, ask about other ways you can help at the shelter.

  • Gather a group of friends to make more toys, and deliver them together.

  • Throw an animal-themed birthday party. Make animal toys and dog biscuits. Other ideas: hang a puppy or kitten piñata, make dog houses from graham crackers, make dog and cat ear headbands, and have guests bring donations for your local animal shelter in lieu of gifts.

    Browse the projects in our Big-Hearted Families Tookit!

Disclaimer:  Doing Good Together™ is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

The recommendations we offer are based solely on our mission to empower parents to raise children who care and contribute.

Foster Animals

Open your house to a pet who needs a home.

When your community has dogs or cats that need extra love and care (usually because they are very young, sick, or the shelter has limited space), your family can provide a temporary home.

Possible recipients

Support an animal shelter near you.

What you’ll need

  • A love of animals.

  • The time and commitment to help the animal you foster.
    (Typically, your family’s main responsibility will be to handle and cuddle the animals frequently — along with providing food, water, and clean living space — so they can become well-socialized pets for the families that adopt them.)

  • The financial ability to care for an additional animal or family of animals.

Instructions

  • Call your local animal shelter to find out your fostering options. They will likely require an application and offer an initial training course to get you started.

  • Ask which supplies and services (food, vet care, etc.) the shelter provides and which you will need to contribute.

  • Prepare yourselves and your home for the new addition.

  • Always supervise interactions between foster animals and young children.

Reflections

  • Do you have other pets? How do you think they might feel if we were unable to care for them?

  • How can we understand the needs and moods of our new foster pet? What cues tell us if they are hungry or lonely? If they want to be cuddled or want time to rest?

  • Why is it important to help living things other than people?

  • What are other ways we can show animals we love them?

Click the image to access this book.

Resources

  • The Little Blue Dog by Karen Roberts
    Your family will love this sweet story of life from the perspective of a shelter dog. This story is sure to spark big-hearted conversations about love, home, and belonging, necessary comforts for people and pets alike.

  • Before You Were Mine by Maribeth Boelts
    A young boy thinks about the life of his dog before he adopted him from an animal shelter.

  • The Shelter Dog by Christine Davis
    Ages 4-8. Hero, an angel dog, decides he wants to go back to earth to be a shelter dog so a loving family can choose him as their pet. Slowly he realizes that living in a shelter isn’t as nice as it appears.

  • Three Stories You Can Read to Your Cat by Sara Swan Miller
    This book features three silly stories about the adventures of being a cat.

Take it further

  • Gather the kids to make dog biscuits or toys for the animals you foster. If you have extras, the shelter would love to have them!

  • Create fun “advertisements” to help your foster pets find their forever homes. Share your ads on social media, create posters to display on community bulletin boards, or even make a short video to share.

Browse the projects in our Big-Hearted Families Toolkit!

Disclaimer:  Doing Good Together™ is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

The recommendations we offer are based solely on our mission to empower parents to raise children who care and contribute.

Make Birdseed Cookies

Share kindness with feathered friends.

Young nature lovers will enjoy whipping up a batch of bird treats and watching the local bird population flock to the feast.

This simple video will help you get started!

Possible recipients

The full recipe below creates around 30 cookies. Use them to spread good cheer in the community!

  • Share them with a lonely neighbor.

  • Donate them to a local senior care home.

  • Or hang them outside the window of a friend recovering from surgery.

Seem complicated?

Visit our Pinterest Board: For the Birds to find the perfect bird feeder for your family (including this super simple version featuring cheerios and yarn or pipe cleaners).

What you'll need

  • 2 cups flour

  • 1/2 tsp baking powder

  • 1/2 cup of sugar

  • 2/3 cup vegetable shortening

  • 2 eggs

  • 3/4 cup birdseed (use small seeds)

  • 3 egg whites

  • Cookie cutters

  • Paper clips

  • Yarn to hang cookies

Instructions

  • Sift all the dry ingredients together and cut in the lard with a blunt knife.

  • Add the eggs.

  • Add the birdseed and knead until smooth.

  • Allow the dough to chill overnight.

  • Roll out the dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into shapes with cookie cutters.

  • Insert a paper clip into the top of the shape to act as a hanger.

  • Brush the cookie with beaten egg whites and press birdseed into the top of the cookie.

  • Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet at 325 degrees F for 10-15 minutes or until the cookies are hard.

  • String yarn through the paper clip to make a hanger and hang on a tree near a birdbath.

Reflection Questions

  • How do you think the birds will feel when they find these special treats?

  • How does it make you feel to make birdseed cookies and see the birds eat them?

  • Why do you think it’s important to care for animals?

  • What other things do you think we could do for the birds?

Resources

Take it further

  • Hang the cookies in a place near a window where your family can watch the birds eat from indoors.

  • Make “birds nest” bags to supply birds with materials to build their nests. Take a piece of netting or plastic mesh from a produce bag and fill it with things like dryer lint, pine needles, colorful ribbons, raffia, etc., and tie it at the top. Hang outside and watch your neighborhood for signs of your materials, especially ribbons in neighborhood nests.

Browse the projects in our Big-Hearted Families Toolkit!

Disclaimer:  Doing Good Together™ is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

The recommendations we offer are based solely on our mission to empower parents to raise children who care and contribute.