Pet Care Badge Activity Overview

My niece is a Brownie Girl Scout, and I was thrilled when I was asked to share an overview of the Pet Care Badge Activity with her troop since I’ve been a dog mom for over two decades! Plus, I work with dogs at the Dog Aging Project. So, of course, I said yes!

Badge Guidelines

I put together a fun presentation based on my niece's troop's pet care activity guide, which aligns with the badge’s guidelines. Of course, I made a few changes to make it suitable for digital use! If you're looking for the guide, just reach out to your Girl Scout Troop Leader or check out the Girl Scout Shop. Happy learning!

Pet Care Badge Activity Overview

Why Pets?

“When you’re a great friend to a pet a pet will be agreat friend to you!”

The Purpose

“When I’ve earned this badge, I’ll know how to care for a pet.”

The following Steps will be reviewed:

Find out what care different pets need
Keep a pet comfy
Help a pet stay healthy and safe
Make a pet feel loved
Feed a pet

Step 1: Find out what care different pets need

Pets are as different as the people who love them.
Play Pet Bingo to find out which pet would be the best fit you.

HOW TO PLAY PET BINGO

Pick one of the squares. Then answer these questions about the animal listed:

How much does it cost to care for this pet?
How much space does this pet need?
How much food does this pet need?
What kind of human contact does this pet like?

(Watch Step 1 AKA Pet Bingo on my YouTube Channel)

Pet Bingo Worksheet Examples:

Get Pet Bingo

Step 2: Keep a Pet Comfy

Pets need a clean and comfortable place to live- if their cage, tank, or doghouse is dirty, they can get sick.

Learn what one pet needs to have a home sweet home.

(Watch Step 2 AKA Keep a Pet Comfy on my YouTube Channel)

What does a pet need to have a home sweet home?

DOG

Essentially, a dog needs food, water, shelter, a comfortable living space, opportunities for exercise and play, and most importantly, a loving and caring owner

CAT

To make a cat feel at home, it needs several essential items: safe and comfortable sleeping areas, food and water bowls, a litter box, and plenty of scratching posts

RABBIT

A rabbit needs a safe, comfortable, and stimulating home with a few key elements: a secure enclosure, bedding, food and water dishes, a litter box, and toys for enrichment

Side note: I didn’t cover the rabbit during Pet Bingo, so you can learn more about rabbits at home - if you want! —by completing the Pet Bingo Worksheet.

Maintain a clean and healthy environment for your pets, you should clean their areas frequently.

DOG

You should aim to wash bedding and kennels at least once a week, more often may be necessary if your pet sheds a lot or if you have a pup that enjoys frequent and muddy walks

CAT

You should scoop the litter box daily and change the litter completely at least once a week

RABBIT

You also need to clean the hutch more thoroughly to keep it clean and hygienic – once a week is usually adequate.

Side note: I didn’t cover the rabbit during Pet Bingo, so you can learn more about rabbits at home - if you want! —by completing the Pet Bingo Worksheet.

STEP 2 Activity: Make a cozy sleeping space for a pet

The Pet Care Badge Activity had other options, so I adapted this activity for my presentation.

Just Joss’n adaptation: Bring an old clean towel or bed sheet to your next Girl Scout meeting, and donate the collection to a local animal shelter as a troop.

Fun Fact: Animal shelters often accept old, clean towels and bed sheets as donations.

They often use these items for various purposes, including bedding, cleaning, and drying animals after baths.

*Bonus: You can also volunteer at an animal shelter! Animal shelters always need help with various tasks, like walking the dogs. Do some research and find out if your local animal shelter needs help!

I created the additional maze activity, as a bonus.

Get the Maze Handout

Step 3: Help a Pet Stay Healthy and Safe

Just like humans, pets need special care to stay healthy

Find out about how to keep them safe, feeling good, and looking good, too

(Watch Step 3 AKA Help a Pet Stay Healthy and Safe on my YouTube Channel)

How often do pets have to be washed or brushed, and any other special care tips?

DOGS

Dogs should be bathed approximately every 1-3 months (varies by breed).

And dogs should get groomed ideally every week (trimming of nails, brushing, cleaning ears, etc)

IGUANAS

Iguanas should be bathed regularly, ideally daily, to maintain hydration and cleanliness, and they may also appreciate brushing for shedding. *When I say “bathed regularly,” I mean, Iguanas just need to soak in water. They don’t need soap and water cleaning.

Side note: I didn’t cover iguanas during Pet Bingo, so you can learn more about iguanas at home - if you want! —by completing the Pet Bingo Worksheet.

CATS

Cats are naturally self-grooming and don't require regular baths. A bath every 4-6 weeks is generally sufficient for maintaining cleanliness. Generally, a cat's nails need to be trimmed every 2-3 weeks

Step 3 Activity

If you have a pet or know a friend with a pet, try out what you've learned by grooming a pet.

But, get permission FIRST!

I created the additional handout, as a bonus.

Get the Handout

Step 4: Make a pet feel loved

Pets need attention, hugs, and kind words, as well as lots of time to have fun and play.

Learning to be a good pet owner is like learning to be a good pet parent!

(Watch Step 4 AKA Make a Pet Feel loved on my YouTube Channel)

Learn about how three different kinds of pets communicate their feelings

Pup Talk

Cat Tail Speak

Cockatoo Body Language

(Watch Step 4 AKA Make a Pet Feel loved on my YouTube Channel)

Side note: I didn’t cover birds during Pet Bingo, so you can learn more about birds at home - if you want! —by completing the Pet Bingo Worksheet.