More about VSI


VSI is a program run through the Charleston Animal Society with partner organizations across the nation.  We bring veterinary science lessons into the local high school classrooms.  

VSI is designed as a 7 lesson program:
Lesson 1 – An Introduction to the Human-Animal Interface
Lesson 2 – Pathology and Cruelty Investigation
Lesson 3 – Ethical Science
Lesson 4 – Zoonotic DIsease
Lesson 5 – Communication and Art
Lesson 6 – Emotional Intelligence and Empathy
Lesson 7 – Capstone Field Trip to the Shelter

Charleston Animal Society educators facilitate lessons 1 and 7.  For Lesson 1, an educator comes to your classroom with an animal visitor to conduct several interest-gathering activities, including a real-time ultrasound.  

Lessons 2 – 6 are taught by the teacher in the classroom, with all materials being supplied to the teacher.  Lessons are aligned with both National and South Carolina standards and teachers have the support of Charleston Animal Society educators throughout the entire process. 

For Lesson 7, the students travel to the shelter and have a chance to interact with the staff veterinarians and shelter animals as they learn about the day-to-day workings and issues of a shelter

How do you know it works?

This is an evidence-based program and research results from the program can be viewed on the research section of the website.  Check out the amazing student and teacher testimonials as well as the changes in student attitudes, knowledge, and behavior! 

Interested in a VSI program in your area?

Recently, the Charleston Animal Society held a VSI conference for representatives of various animal organizations from CA, CO, MN, PA, TX, WA and WI. As a result, you can expect to see new VSI programs soon, maybe even in your school! Check out our partners at "Find VSI"




VSI : Who We Are

VSI: Veterinary Science Initiative is a program developed by the education team at the Charleston Animal Society, South Carolina, as a model for cooperative education between shelters, veterinarians, and other private organizations to collaborate with local school districts, while also conducting research about how this curriculum benefits student knowledge, organizational awareness and community engagement








Want to learn more?

Have some questions about VSI? There's a good chance we've answered them in our VSI FAQ's.

If you are a teacher who wants to bring VSI to your classroom, please submit a VSI Request.  After submission of the form, we will be in contact as soon as we can.

If you are a school administrator or any other interested person who would like more information, please fill out a Contact Form.

If you are interested in the program, but have lost faith in internet forms, please feel free to contact us directly:

De Daltorio
Director of Humane Education
ddaltorio@charlestonanimalsociety.org
843-329-1548