What Is the Mutt-i-grees®?

Overview

The Mutt-i-grees® Curriculum is an evidence-based social-emotional learning (SEL) program that uses animals as a foundation to teach children empathy, compassion, and responsible decision-making.

Developed through a partnership between educators and animal welfare organizations, the program helps children build meaningful life skills by connecting emotional learning with real-world experiences.


What They Do

Mutt-i-grees® focuses on helping children:

  • Develop empathy and emotional awareness
  • Build positive relationships with peers and animals
  • Practice responsibility and respect
  • Strengthen self-regulation and communication skills

The program uses animals as a bridge to teach kindness, patience, and understanding in a way that feels natural and engaging for children.


Curriculum & Approach

The curriculum is designed for use in schools, therapy settings, and youth programs, and includes:

  • Structured lesson plans and activities
  • Hands-on animal interaction and observation
  • Social-emotional skill development aligned with SEL standards
  • Age-appropriate content for early childhood through elementary levels

By combining education with real-world experiences, Mutt-i-grees® helps children apply what they learn in everyday life.


Why It Matters

In today’s fast-paced, screen-heavy world, children benefit from opportunities to slow down, connect, and engage with their environment.

Programs like Mutt-i-grees® support:

  • Emotional development
  • Confidence building
  • Compassion and kindness
  • Real-world learning beyond the classroom

Our Approach

Inspired by programs like Mutt-i-grees®, we incorporate similar principles into our experiences — creating a space where children can connect with animals, develop emotionally, and learn through hands-on interaction in a calm, natural environment.


Learn More

To explore the full Mutt-i-grees® program, visit:
👉 https://education.muttigrees.org/