The Animal Humane Association of New Mexico recognizes the crucial role that pets play in the healthy development of children.
Pets provide security, socialization, and unconditional affection.
They can play a crucial role in therapeutic socialization programs, influencing, among other things, a child s motor skills, attachment disorders, and anger management skills. In exchange, children provide pets with love and attention. The Junior Humane Association is a mutually beneficial program for children and shelter animals because they will assist one another in learning these social skills. By training shelter dogs, children learn the value of discipline and praise. Dogs receive very basic obedience that makes them more attractive to potential adopters.