Be Pet Smart is a free, fun, and interactive learning experience for children aged 3 to 12 years.
Our mission is to educate children on dog safety and responsible pet ownership. The program is available to all Logan education facilities, including community groups.
Approximately 80% of people injured or killed from dog attacks are from dogs which live in the family home, or are dogs owned by a friend or relative. Statistics show us that attacks occur most frequently on vulnerable persons - children and the elderly.
Peppy and Jacky can't wait to meet you!
How to book for 2024
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (subject to staff availability). Please fill in our Be Pet Smart booking form and our staff will be in touch.
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Age Group
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Recommended Sessions
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Session Duration
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Number of students per session
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Kindergarten
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2 sessions, one week apart
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30 mins
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Up to 22 students
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Prep and above
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1 session
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45 min
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Up to 45 students
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The program
Our program is to help children understand how to safely approach a dog.
It is important to know how to approach dogs safely and what to do if you are approached by an aggressive dog. Children, particularly those aged 0 to 4 years old, are most at risk of serious dog bite injuries. Children need to be taught how to behave around dogs and parents need to be aware of the importance of active supervision.
In addition, Be Pet Smart teaches participants how to:
- behave if approached by a strange dog
- identify and read cat and dog body language
- look after their pets.
We are committed to educating our community about:
- reducing the number of dog attacks, particularly on children
- responsible pet ownership
- our animal keeping local laws
- the impact of pets on the environment
- the difference between different types of working dogs and a pet.
Some of our key messages about dog safety are:
- always ask the owner if you can pat their dog
- approach the dog from an angle, rather than directly from the front or rear
- keep your hands by your side with your fingers tightly closed and understand the dogs body language before patting the dog
- don't pat the dog if it backs away or doesn't sniff your hand.
- stroke the dog on their back or neck (not on top of the head as its close to the dogs mouth).
