Lesson Plan - Saving Shelter Pets

Watch the Video
Play the video “Paw-some Pets.” Then discuss: According to the video, what kinds of evidence have helped experts figure out how long humans have kept animals as pets? 

Preview Words to Know
Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know.

• restrict
• confined

Set a Purpose for Reading
As students read, have them think about how laws like the one in New York may help animals in shelters.

1. How does the author support the idea that some breeders treat animals cruelly?
The author supports the idea that some breeders treat animals cruelly by providing examples. She writes, “They operate what are known as puppy or kitten mills. In mills, mother animals are confined to tiny, dirty cages. Puppies and kittens born in mills might not be given proper medical care.”
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2. According to the article, what are some of the reasons animals end up in shelters?
The article explains that animals often end up in shelters because they were born on the streets, got lost, or were abandoned or surrendered by their owners.
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3. Based on the sidebar, “Roman to the Rescue,” what are two ways that Project Freedom Ride helps shelter dogs get adopted?
According to the sidebar, “Roman to the Rescue,” Project Freedom Ride helps shelter dogs get adopted by moving dogs from overcrowded shelters in southern states to less crowded shelters in northern states and by helping people find the right shelter dog for them.
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Featured Skill: Problem and Solution
Distribute the skill builder “What’s the Problem?” and have students work in pairs to analyze the two problems and two solutions described in the article and sidebar.
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