In 2025, 580 children across Hull and the East Riding have taken part in our PetWise Education Programme, helping to shape a kinder, more compassionate future for animals.
PetWise is all about giving young people the knowledge, empathy and confidence to understand animal welfare, practise responsible pet ownership, and become advocates for animals in their communities. By reaching children early, we’re helping to prevent neglect and cruelty before it starts — creating lasting change for animals now and in the years to come.
Bringing Animal Welfare to Life in Schools
Launched in September 2025, PetWise is our dedicated education programme for schools and youth settings. It delivers engaging, curriculum-linked learning through a mix of whole-school assemblies and interactive classroom workshops.
Sessions are designed to complement subjects including science, literacy, PSHE and art, covering topics such as:
- Responsible pet ownership
- Understanding animal needs, habitats and life cycles
- Kindness, empathy and respect for animals
- How young people can be a voice for animal welfare
By taking education directly into schools and community spaces, PetWise is helping to ensure more children and families can access meaningful learning — not just those able to visit our Hull Animal Centre or as part of community events. Schools and youth groups are now being encouraged to partner with RSPCA Hull & East Riding by booking assemblies or workshops and embedding PetWise into curriculum-linked learning.
To find out more or book a session, contact our Education Lead, Laura Bailie – laura.bailie@rspcahull.org.uk
Why PetWise Is Needed
PetWise has been developed in direct response to local need and community feedback:
- Community voices: Families and residents have highlighted a lack of accessible, family-friendly educational activities focused on animal welfare.
- Demand from schools and youth clubs: Educators recognise the value of PetWise and its strong curriculum links.
- Gaps in local provision: Historically, most education work took place at our animal centre. PetWise changes this by reaching children where they already are — in schools and community spaces.
- A national challenge: With pet neglect and abandonment rising across the UK, education has never been more important in preventing animal suffering.
Through PetWise, we are not only helping animals today — we are preventing suffering tomorrow. Education is a powerful tool, and by working with schools, young people and communities, we are building a future where animals are better understood, respected and cared for
Matt Wright, Head of Operations at RSPCA Hull & East Riding, said: “We see the heartbreaking impact of animal neglect every day. By launching this programme, we wanted to help prevent cruelty before it starts — giving children the knowledge and empathy to care for animals and inspiring the animal champions of tomorrow. Children are naturally compassionate, and with the right guidance, they can be powerful advocates for a kinder future.”
Backed by Local Support — Powered by the Community
PetWise has been made possible thanks to grant funding from the Tedder Hill Wind Farm Fund and the Lissett Wind Farm Fund, allowing the programme to launch in selected East Riding schools. Alongside school sessions, PetWise has also been delivered through community workshops in village halls and community centres, reaching families who may not otherwise have access to animal welfare education. As a self-funded charity, RSPCA Hull & East Riding relies entirely on the generosity of supporters, schools and the local community. To ensure the programme remains sustainable, a fee is charged to schools and community settings to deliver sessions and expand reach. Alternatively businesses can sponsor sessions in local schools.
Inspiring Young Voices: Young Humber Ambassadors Event
In October 2025, we were proud to take part in the inaugural Young Humber Ambassadors Event at the University of Hull. The event brought together around 250 pupils from schools across the region, giving young people the opportunity to explore careers, share ideas and help shape Humber’s future. During our interactive session, delivered by Emma Monteiro and Matt Wright, pupils learned about the history of RSPCA Hull & East Riding before working together to design ideas for a modern Animal Centre.
Matt said: “It was amazing to hear the voices of the next generation. Their energy and ambition remind us why our work matters and inspire us to keep delivering for pets and their owners now and in the future.”
Building a Kinder Future Together
If you would like PetWise delivered in your school or youth setting, please contact: laura.bailie@rspcahull.org.uk
Together, we’re making a difference locally — for every animal, and every child who learns to care.
