PAWS visits elementary schools throughout Palau annually, targeting 4th, 5th and 6th graders. Our program initially focuses on the basics of ‘Responsible Pet Ownership’, teaching children about the importance of why and how to care for their pets. Revisiting the same students in 5th grade the following year reinforces last year’s message, while adding in the spay and neuter concept to introduce the concept of humane population control, with 6th grade then addressing the ‘Five Freedoms’ of animal welfare standards, about the basic needs of all animals.
The programs are popular, especially when Chica, the PAWS K9 mascot, or her friend Po, visit the students. An age-appropriate fun activity is always included, and the program reaches over 500 students each year.
Community education follows the ‘One Health’ theme to promote spay/neuter and Responsible Pet Ownership. PAWS can often be seen at local fairs, such as Palau Independence Day, Koror State Constitution Day, Job Fair Day, and various public health conferences, sharing messages about the importance of spay and neuter, the PAWS programs and services to create a fun learning space for the community.
In Palau, please phone 775-PAWS(7297) to book your dog or cat’s spay/neuter surgery today!
