The objective of the Jacksonville Humane Society's Humane Education program is to promote the principles of goodwill, kindness, justice and compassion towards all living things—and to nurture the bond between people and their pets.
To help carry out this objective we provide the community with school/classroom presentations and tours for children, group/corporate presentations for adults, a series of after-school kids clinics, an after-school teen club, a kids summer daycamp – and more.
Ask Noodle!
Are you a bit curious as to how many animals we care for at the Jacksonville Humane Society? Or do you want to know why your dog likes to sniff so much? Noodle has the answers! Noodle, the fabulous Border Collie Mix, is our very own furry ambassador. He is happy to answer all your questions about companion animals or general questions you have about the Jacksonville Humane Society. No question is too big or small. Noodle will do his best to answer them all!
Click here to ask Noodle your question. Be sure to include your first name and the name of your city. Check back often to see if your question has been posted below!
Dear Noodle,
I am 12 years old and I want to volunteer with the dogs but you have to be 16. Can you tell me a way that I can still help?
Rachel from Jacksonville, Fl
Hi Rachel! I love to hear about ambitious kids who want to help animals like yourself!! You do have to be 16 yrs of age to volunteer at the Jacksonville Humane Society but here are a few ideas of things you can do now to help out the animals in our community:
Organize a donation drive (See our Wish List online)
- Make your own dog and cat treats (Recipes can be found online)
- Make your own dog and cat toys (ideas can be found online)
- Donate items to our Thrift Store
- Car Wash
- Pet Wash
- Bake Sale
- Lemonade Stand
If you are looking for a way to help the animals here at the Jacksonville Humane Society you can join our Waggin Tails Kids Club or when you turn 13 you can join our Teen Dog Walking Club. Both clubs are a great way to learn about ways you can help animals in our community and gives you hands on experience helping the animals here at the Jacksonville Humane Society. In the summer we also have a week long kid's summer camp called Camp Paw Prints. You can learn more about our clubs and camp at www.jaxhumane.org/services-and-resources/humane-education/.
What does Noodle carry in his backpack?
Faith from Jacksonville, Fl
I keep a lot of very important items in my backpack that are important for my health and happiness. I have a food/water dish for when I get hungry or thirsty, toys for when I want to play, and a brush for my owner to use to keep me groomed. My favorite item in my back pack is my treats! My owners give me a treat to let me know when I have been a good boy or when I do a trick. I also always wear a collar with my identification tag just in case I ever get lost. That way someone will be able to help me find my way back home!
Dear Noodle, You always look fabulous…who does your hair and who picked out that great backpack you always have with you?
Leona from Jacksonville, Fl
Thank you! My owner makes sure she brushes me everyday. Since my hair is longer she needs to make sure my hair does not get matted. She also gives me a bath once a month to help keep the germs and dirt off! However always check with your veterinarian first about the needs of your dog. Some breeds benefit from frequent washing, while others can develop skin problems from too many baths. My owner also picked out my cool backpack. She ordered it for me online at www.ruffwear.com.
What can I use on my puppy's hair to get rid of his dandruff?
Candace from Jacksonville, Fl
Great question! One of the best things you can do to help your puppy's dandruff issue is to feed him a high quality diet that contains Omega 3 fatty acids. This will help to improve his skin that is too dry and causing the dandruff. If you are bathing your puppy make sure you are not using human shampoos and do not bathe more than once a week. This can cause their coat to dry out even more. I hope this helps your puppy's dandruff and always remember if these recommendations do not help make sure you take him to see his veterinarian.
Noodle, I am 12yrs old; my birthday is June 29th 1997. I want to be a Vet and work with animals. I have done other volunteers activities: carving pumpkins, beach clean-up, and stuffing stockings. But I want to work with animals. What volunteer work can I do now?
Derek from Jacksonville, Fl
Hi Derek! I love to hear about ambitious kids who want to help animals like yourself!! You do have to be 16 yrs of age to volunteer at the Jacksonville Humane Society but here are a few ideas of things you can do now to help out the animals in our community:
- Organize a donation drive (See our Wish List online)
- Make your own dog and cat treats (Recipes can be found online)
- Make your own dog and cat toys (ideas can be found online)
- Donate items to our Thrift Store
- Car Wash
- Pet Wash
- Bake Sale
- Lemonade Stand
If you are looking for a way to help the animals here at the Jacksonville Humane Society you can join our Waggin Tails Kids Club or when you turn 13 you can join our Teen Dog Walking Club. Both clubs are a great way to learn about ways you can help animals in our community and gives you hands on experience helping the animals here at the Jacksonville Humane Society. In the summer we also have a week long kid's summer camp called Camp Paw Prints. You can learn more about our clubs and camp at
www.jaxhumane.org/services-and-resources/humane-education/.
How many pets have you found homes for this year?
Luke from Jacksonville, Fl
Thank you for your question Luke! So far this year we have found homes for 1,271 of our pets and our numbers continue to grow each and every day!!