Raising children´s awareness about responsible guardianship with dogs and cats

Abstract

. Living with pets brings many benefits to humans, however, the unfamiliarity about the fundamentals responsible tutoring and inadequate care of dogs and cats change the patterns of population growth of these animals, and directly affect the well-being of all those involved and increases rates of disease transmission. The practice of responsible guardianship of these animals not only ensures the well-being and health of dogs and cats, but also reduces damage to public health. This project aimed to raise the awareness of children in kindergarten and lower elementary schools in the highlands of Sergipe, Northeast, Brazil about responsible tutoring in dogs and cats. The action took place in a playful way, with dramatization and games and featured interactive videos, a role play, educational games, as well as face painting with the intention of addressing topics related to responsible pet tutoring, animal welfare and zoonosis. Actions that address responsible tutoring of dogs and cats with children are important because it transforms the attitudes of children and future adults towards responsibility for pets.