BAAC Educational Facility Tours - Briggs Animal Adoption Center

The National Humane Education Society (NHES) offers free educational tours of its animal care facility, Briggs Animal Adoption Center, and programs for children and adult groups throughout the year.

Our goal is to impart a message of kindness and respect for all animals through hands-on activities, live animal interaction, and more.

Note to parents/guardians/group leaders:

To ensure that everyone, including animals, stays safe and has a pleasant visit, we ask all children/youth to abide by a standard of conduct which includes: following all staff directions, demonstrating respectful and safe interactions with animals, and respecting NHES’ property. If children/youth disregard instructions from staff during the tour, they will be asked to wait in the BAAC lobby with their parent/guardian/group leader until the tour ends.

BAAC Tour FAQ’s

How far in advance should I make a request?

Tours take place between 10:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (later tours approved on case-by-case basis)

How long is the tour and what does it include?

Tours last around 60 minutes and include:

• a brief history of NHES and BAAC’s animal rescue
• a short visit with the cats in the state-of-the-art cattery
• animal-related service project (tailored for age group)
• meet an adoptable dog when available

What education topics are covered during the tour?

Education topics include BAAC’s operations and standards of care, basic care requirements of dogs and cats, how to safely interact with companion animals, kindness and responsibility towards animals.  Tour topics are flexible and can be accommodated to cover other areas of interest. We are happy to help with special goals such as attainment of scout pet badges.

What age-levels are the tours offered to?

BAAC educational tours are available to children and adult groups. Tours are best suited for children in the 2^nd grade and up.

We also offer tours for senior centers, community clubs, and other adult organizations who have an interest in animal welfare.

What size audience can the tour accommodate?

Due to space and animal welfare considerations, the maximum tour size is 20 participants, including adult chaperones. If you believe your group size will exceed 20, please email programs@nhes.org to schedule multiple visits. Thank you!

Where should I go upon arrival?

Tours start at our Humane Education Center in the upper parking lot near the life-size rhino statue.

We would like to donate animal items – what does the BAAC need?

No, educational tours are free. However, we appreciate donations to help us continue our life-saving work. Please click here for the BAAC’s Wish List. Thank you!

We would like to volunteer while visiting the center – what opportunities are available?

Thank you for your interest! Individuals must be 18 years of age or older to volunteer at the BAAC. Please click here for more information. For individuals 17 years of age and under, we can suggest fun activities that can be completed in the local community to help benefit our animals – just ask!