North Shore Animal League America partnered with Yale University School of the 21st Century and the Cesar Millan Foundation to develop the Mutt-i-grees Curriculum, a groundbreaking program that links humane education and social and emotional learning (SEL). It brings North Shore Animal League America’s No-Kill mission to life through experiential, service learning to more than 4,000 schools and libraries across the country and in Canada. It is one of the few SEL programs spanning from PreK through high school. The program builds empathy, resiliency, and responsibility for self, others, animals, and the environment.

Our Story

2017

Program Recognition and Accolades

Program Recognition and Accolades

The Mutt-i-grees Curriculum is selected as one of 100 most innovative educational programs globally by hundrED Global Education Innovations in 2017 and 2018. It is named as one of the 25 best social emotional learning programs in the country by a Harvard University Study funded by the Wallace Foundation.

2018

Parent Resource

Parent Resource

The Muttigrees at Home handbook is published. It highlights ways parents can promote empathy and raise awareness about shelter pets. Disseminated to individual parents, Muttigrees At Home is also used by state agencies and child and family services to reach out to families. Learn more

Humane Leadership Award Created

Humane Leadership Award Created

Mutt-i-grees Curriculum National Student Ambassador Mack Meek is the recipient of the inaugural Humane Leadership Award presented at North Shore Animal League America’s Gala in Manhattan, NY.

Digital Resources

Digital Resources

Educators begin using digital lessons that are available through the website portal. A redesigned website is launched, reflecting the growth of the Mutt-i-grees Curriculum.

2019

Student Ambassadors Connect Across the Country

Student Ambassadors Connect Across the Country

Largest “class” of Student Ambassadors ranging from seven to 17 year olds. Students from Spruce Pine, NC collaborate with students from Brooklyn, NY for a Humane Relocation Program saving lives of three dozen homeless animals.

2022

Professional Development Online Courses

Professional Development Online Courses

Our first online course: Mutt-i-grees, An Introduction launches on our website. In October a second course becomes available: The Mutt-i-grees School Dog Program.

Our First School Cat

The very first Mutt-i-grees Cat School is WSWHE BOCES in Saratoga Springs, NY, where they have introduced the fostering of a cat or kitten as part of their Small Animal Science Program.

2023

Help Us Grow

Help Us Grow

Stay tuned for future Mutt-i-grees Curriculum activities and share information with students, parents, and colleagues. Join the conversation on our social platforms.