4-H Companion Animal Project

a young male 4-H youth showing a hamster to a judge

What do hermit crabs, Guinea pigs, and cockatoos all have in common? They can all make great companion animals and 4-H exhibits! The 4-H companion animals project helps youth explore a wide variety of animals that can be used for companionship and do not require the same types of resources that livestock does.

Ages and Stages of Youth Development

Beginners

As a beginner your goal should be to learn the basics of your companion animal. You should know proper care, grooming, and feeding for your companion animal. Create a plan to prevent your animal from getting lost.

Juniors

After knowing the basics of proper care, start exploring more information about your companion animal. This should include nutritional needs for your pet, its reproductive cycle, and how to train your companion animal.

Seniors

Seniors should continue to deepen their knowledge about their companion animal. Research what diseases are common for your animal and what their symptoms are. You can also research the domestication history of animals.

4-H Programming Priorities

Leadership

The care of animals of any size leads to many leadership experiences. You have to be responsible and care for another living thing.

Health & Wellness

Health and wellness of your animal is an important part of companion animal ownership. It is important to keep your companion animal healthy.

Science

The biology of your companion animal is important to understand. Learning more about it will let you keep your companion animal healthy.

Agriculture

The care of companion animals can give insight into the care of larger animals including livestock. It can also lead to discussions about animal ethics.

Get Involved

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Youth Voice

  • Discuss safety around unfamiliar companion animals
  • Illustrated talk about your companion animal’s diet
  • Construction of a proper habitat
3 green outlines of hands

Community Service

  • Collect needed supplies for a local animal shelter
  • Organize a group of 4-H members to volunteer at an animal shelter
green puzzle pieces

Career Connections

  • Animal assisted therapy
  • Boarding
  • Companion animal publications
  • Genetics
  • Grooming

Exhibit Ideas

  • Exhibit your cat or pet at the fair
  • Make a first aid kit for a pet- tell why and how each item is used
  • Share diet and nutrition information for raising a healthy pet
  • Attend a pet show; take photos and make a notebook about pet breeds

Learning Resources

Related Topics

4-H Projects, 4-H Animal & Biological Sciences Project

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