To develop leadership talents and work towards achieving the broad objectives of character and effective citizenship

To learn about a specific species of animals - its characteristics and natural history

To acquire the knowledge of the responsibilities of small animal ownership in the home and community

To demonstrate sound small animal care and management practices, including feeding, care, handling grooming and breeding

To keep a complete record of all costs and practices used

To develop an understanding of the values of scientific research and its influence upon small animals

To share experiences with others by leading workshops, field trips, and small discussion groups on the project

Suggested Ideas for Participation:

Assume the complete responsibility for the care and training of at least one pet.

Present demonstrations on the health, grooming, feeding and early training requirements of dogs and other pets.

Become involved in showing and judging.

Visit local veterinarians to learn more about the care and treatment of dogs.

Title of Curriculum Support Materials and Location:

4-H Cumulative Records: 4-H Discovering Small Animals:
• Leader's Guide - L-21-40
• Member's Manual - M-21-39
4-H Discovering Dogs and Cats:
• Leader's Manual - L-21-41
• Member's Manual - M-21-42
Training Your Dog for Family Living - National Council
Rising Rabbits 4-H Member's Manual - M-21-41

Location of Support Materials:

These publications can be found in your local County Extension Office or Agricultural Communications.

Description of Support Materials:

Manuals that describe how to care for fish, snakes, turtles and tortoises, frogs, and toads, salamanders, lizards, birds, hamsters, gerblis, mice, rats,guinea pigs, domestic rabbits, cats and dogs.

Parameters of loaning Support Materials to the Counties:

Project Ideas in a Nutshell:

• Assume the complete responsibility for the care and training of at least one small animal species
• Present a presentation on the health, grooming, feeding, breeding, and training requirements of the small animal
• Participate with your small animal in pet shows, exhibits, workshops, civic groups, retirement homes, etc
• Visit a local veterinarian to learn more about the care and treatment of small animals

Award(s):

Cumulative Record Books - Small Animals/Pets
• District Awards - district level winners will receive a certificate
• State Awards - state level winners will receive savings bonds
Age 13 - 15:
1st place - $200.00
2nd place - $100.00
3rd place - $50.00
Age 16 - 18:
1st place - $300.00
2nd place - $200.00
1st place - $100.00

Donor(s) and Awards:

Happy Jack, Inc.
(Presentations, Dog - Junior)
$50.00 award to District Winner (individual)
$25.00 award for each member of a team
$50.00 award for State Winner (each)


North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association and the North Carolina Emu Association

(Presentations, Small Animals, Junior)
$50.00 award to District Winner (individual)
$25.00 award for each member of a team
$50.00 award for State Winner (each)
(Presentations, Dog - Small Animals)
$50.00 award to District Winner (individual)
$25.00 award for each member of a team
$50.00 award for State Winner (each)

Contact Specialist(s):

Mike Yoder
Director: 4-H Youth Small Animals Program
Box 7621, NCSU CAMPUS
Raleigh, NC 27695
(919) 513-3509
(919) 515-9061 fax
Mike_Yoder@ncsu.edu