Companion animals are diverse groups of animals that include dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, companion birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and many more! There are currently more than 1.1 billion companion animals worldwide. In fact, there are more companion animals than people in the United States.
The Nebraska 4-H companion animal programs offer opportunities for youth to develop life skills and obtain knowledge of companion animals. The focus of the Nebraska 4-H companion animal programs is the total development of the young person. The companion animals contests, shows, and related activities are utilized as a vehicle for human growth and development.
For more information about companion animal programs offered in your community, please contact your local Extension office.
EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
SOAR Workshop Series
The SOAR Workshop Series provides youth and their canine companion with an opportunity to develop and practice Showmanship, Obedience, Agility, and Rally skills under the guidance of experienced clinicians.
Dog Achievement Program
The Nebraska 4-H Dog Achievement Program encourages youth to engage in a variety of companion animal opportunities, events, and contests. The program is designed to equip youth with a variety of skills and abilities and prepare them for success in the future. The Dog Achievement Program is open to enrolled 4-H members ages 8-18.
Companion Animal Webinar Series
The Nebraska 4-H Companion Animal Webinar Series is a great way for 4-H leaders, parents, and senior aged youth to gain knowledge in various companion animal-related topic areas. Each session, a new topic will be covered with various experts joining to share their experience and expertise.
Companion Animal Webinar Series
Companion Rabbit Science
Companion Rabbit Science is a self-paced learning opportunity offering information about caring for rabbits. The online course is great for middle-school-aged youth but is open to all youth regardless of age who are looking to learn more about rabbits and the 4-H rabbit project. Companion Rabbit Science is a great resource for anyone interested in caring for or learning about rabbits in 4-H whether they own one now or not!
Companion Animal Challenge
The Companion Animal Challenge provides 4-H members an opportunity to showcase and demonstrate their companion animal knowledge through a variety of 4-H contests that do not require live animals, including demonstrations, essay, art, and more.
State 4-H Dog Show & Skillathon
The State 4-H Dog Show offers 4-H members opportunities to demonstrate their skills and abilities in working with their canine companion through a variety of competitions, including showmanship, obedience, agility, and rally classes. The State 4-H Dog Skillathon is also offered as an opportunity for 4-H members to test their knowledge of a variety of dog care topics.
State 4-H Dog Show & Skillathon
Companion Cat Science
Companion Cat Science is a self-paced learning opportunity offering educational information about caring for and showing cats. The online course is great for middle-school-aged youth but is open to all youth regardless of age who are looking to learn more about cats and the 4-H cat project. Companion Cat Science is great resource for anyone interested in caring for or learning about cats in 4-H whether they own one now or not!
Dog Showmanship Video Series
The Dog Showmanship Video Series includes maneuver descriptions, demonstrations, and general information for youth interested in learning more about dog showmanship. The short videos are intended to help youth while practicing with their dogs in preparation for 4-H showmanship.
Video Companion Animal Showmanship Contest
The Video Companion Animal Showmanship Contest provides 4-H members an opportunity to showcase their knowledge and skills of working with their companion animals, such as cat, ferret, guinea pig, or rodent.
Video Companion Animal Showmanship Contest
Companion Animal Judges Workshop
Nebraska 4-H Companion Animal Judges Workshop is an online training opportunity for adults interested in judging 4-H companion animals. Additionally, the online judges training course is a great resource for 4-H'ers interested in learning more about how their companion animals will be judged at fair. This online course provides information about judging cat, rabbit, and poultry.
Companion Animal Judges Training
Advisory Committee
The Nebraska 4-H Companion Animal Advisory Committee is comprised of volunteer and Extension representatives from across the state who provide guidance, support, and assistance in carrying out program activities in the interest of the 4-H Youth Development and companion animal program.
CONNECT WITH US
Nebraska Companion Animal Extension Program
For questions about this program or the information on this page, please contact:
Lisa Karr
Companion Animal Specialist, Extension Specialist
402-472-6458