Want to dive into the GSUSA Animal Helpers badge with your Cadettes?
This badge is a fantastic opportunity to explore the many ways animals support humans, from emotional care to emergency response. While the basic five requirements listed on the GSUSA Badge Explorer can technically be met with a very basic meeting (see our Blitz It version of this badge), the full badge experience (as outlined in the official booklet and Volunteer Tool Kit) is much richer and hands-on.
Our recommendation is to make an effort to have at least one of the requirements met with live animals. The teens love seeing them in person and getting direct information from the owners, handlers, or trainers of animals that help people.
If your troop is looking to visit just one location and still complete the badge, here’s how to make it work:
Choose a Versatile Visit Location
Pick a place that touches on multiple badge themes. Here are some great options:
| Location Type | What It Covers | Follow-Up Ideas |
|---|---|---|
| Service Dog Training Center | Safety, Disability Support, Emotional Support | Watch a documentary on animal history, create fact cards, or research animal advocacy |
| Therapy Animal Program (hospital, school, rehab center) | Emotional Support, Disability Assistance | Interview pet owners, make a fact sheet, or explore ethics of animal training |
| Police K-9 Unit or Search-and-Rescue Team | Safety, Animal Skills | Research how domestic animals changed over time, brainstorm animal abilities |
| Autism or PTSD Animal Support Organization | Emotional Support, Disability Assistance | Create a fact sheet, research training ethics, or advocate for animal welfare |
Tip for Leaders: If you don’t want to come up with custom follow up activities – just do the Blitz It version of this badge and a second meeting with a field trip or guest speaker with an animal. We highly recommend going deeper with hands-on activities and real-world connections for this badge. It makes the experience far more meaningful and memorable!
How to Find Animal Helper Organizations Anywhere in the USA
Whether you’re planning a field trip, inviting a guest speaker, finding the right animal helper organization can feel overwhelming. Here’s some ways you can confidently connect with local groups that support animals and the people they serve.
Know What You’re Looking For
The Animal Helpers badge covers five key areas. Depending on your goals, you might look for organizations that specialize in:
| Badge Step | Organization Types |
|---|---|
| Connection Between Humans & Animals | Animal shelters, humane societies, wildlife centers |
| Animals Keeping People Safe | Police K-9 units, search-and-rescue teams, airport security |
| Emotional Support | Therapy animal programs, hospitals, rehab centers, schools |
| Disability Assistance | Service dog training centers, guide dog schools, diabetic alert dog programs |
| Helping Animals | Rescue groups, conservation nonprofits, citizen science projects |
Search Tools
- Petfinder Shelter Directory – Click your state to find shelters, rescues, and welfare organizations. Great for finding local partners for emotional support, adoption, or advocacy.
- Local Government & Emergency Services – Search “[your city] police K-9 unit” or “[your county] search and rescue team.” Many departments offer community outreach or demos for youth groups.
- Best Friends Animal Society – A national leader in animal welfare with locations and partners across the U.S. They support no-kill shelters, therapy programs, and volunteer opportunities.
- Assistance Dogs International – Find accredited service dog programs by region. These organizations often welcome scout visits or offer virtual tours.
Reach Out with Confidence
When contacting an organization, keep it simple and clear. Here’s a sample message you can adapt:
Hello! I’m a troop leader with Girl Scouts working on the Animal Helpers badge. We’re looking to learn more about how animals help people and would love to visit, host a speaker, or learn about your work. Do you offer youth-friendly tours or virtual presentations?
Bonus Tips for Leaders
- Ask other troops in your Service Unit for recommendations.
- Check with local colleges or vet schools. They often have outreach programs.
- Use local social media groups to find therapy animal teams or rescue groups in your area.
- Don’t forget virtual options. There are many organizations that offer online tours or Q&A sessions.
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For More Fun Ideas and Plans
for Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Scouts
Join the Girl Scout Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Leader Help Facebook Group
(Not an official GSUSA Group)
This is a supportive community for Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Girl Scout leaders. This group offers solutions to keep older scouts engaged in scouting amidst their busy lives. Share strategies, tackle challenges, and exchange ideas for fun, meaningful activities that resonate with teens and build lasting connections.
Find out how you can support The Badge Archive!
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- Return to the Cadette Badge List.
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The Badge Archive 