The Badge Archive

Pet Care Posters

Fulfills Step 1 of GSUSA Brownie Pets badge requirements. (If you do at least three different pets).

Items Needed

  • Large poster board or sheets of paper
  • Markers, crayons, or colored pencils
  • Pictures of animals (printed or drawn)
  • Glue, stickers, or decorative materials (optional)

Instructions

  1. Choose an Animal
    • Each scout picks an animal to learn about and create a poster for.
    • Options could include dogs, cats, fish, rabbits, birds, or reptiles.
  2. Gather Important Care Information
    • Scouts research or discuss how to care for their chosen animal.
    • Key details to include:
      • Food: What does the animal eat?
      • Space: Where does it live? How much space does it need?
      • Health Care: Does it need vet check-ups? Vaccines?
      • Human Interaction: Does it like to be social or independent?
  3. Create the Poster
    • Scouts organize their information with drawings, pictures, and words.
    • Encourage clear, colorful, and engaging designs.
  4. Present the Posters
    • Scouts share their posters and explain why good pet care is important.
    • Talk about how caring for pets is a responsibility.

Sample Pet Info

Scouts should include details to show the costs, space, food, and human interaction each pet needs.

Cats

  • Cost: $880–$3,500 per year (food, vet care, grooming, toys, litter box)
  • Space: Indoor cats need a safe home with scratching posts, climbing areas, and cozy resting spots
  • Food: Cats eat dry kibble, wet food, and treats, with diet needs varying by age and health
  • Human Interaction: Cats enjoy playtime, petting, and socializing but also need quiet time alone
  • Vet Care: Yearly check-ups, vaccinations, flea prevention, and dental care

Dogs

  • Cost: $1,450–$5,200 per year (food, vet care, grooming, toys, flea prevention)
  • Space: Dogs need room to run, play, and exercise—yards or daily walks are important
  • Food: Dogs eat dry kibble, wet food, and treats, with portion sizes depending on breed and size
  • Human Interaction: Dogs need daily attention, training, and socialization to stay happy and well-behaved
  • Vet Care: Yearly check-ups, vaccinations, flea prevention, and dental care

Fish

  • Cost: $100–$500 per year (food, tank maintenance, filtration, water treatments)
  • Space: Fish require a properly sized tank, filtration system, and decorations to create a healthy environment
  • Food: Fish eat flakes, pellets, or live food, depending on the species
  • Human Interaction: Fish do not need handling but recognize their owners during feeding and tank cleaning
  • Tank Maintenance: Includes cleaning filters, checking water temperature, and removing waste
Tia Kennard