Purpose/Objectives:

• To develop leadership abilities, build character, and assume citizenship responsibilities.
• To acquire scientific and veterinary knowledge about small animals.
• To learn how to care for small animals.
• To develop creative skills in the demonstration of small animals.
• To develop skills in public speaking.
• NOTE: This category covers dogs and Small Animals. For example, the basic care of a dog, dog obedience, care of pets during a hurricane, picking the right pet, etc., are included in this category.

Eligibility:

Individuals or teams may compete. Each county may enter up to two participants in each age division.

• 8-10 - 4-H'er must be 8 years old before January 1 of the current year and not have reached their eleventh birthday before January 1 of the current year.
• 11-13 - 4-H'er must be eleven years old before January 1 of the current year and not have reached their thirteenth birthday before January 1 of the current year.
• 14-18 - 4-H'er must be fourteen years of age before January 1 of the current year and not reached their nineteenth birthday before January 1 of the current year. Eligibility: Individuals or teams may compete.

Rules/Regulations:

• The demonstration must be no more than 12 minutes in length.
• The demonstration must include information about a small animal, including dogs, snakes, lizards, birds (including ostriches, emus, and rheas), mice, rats, hamsters, and gerbils, guinea pigs, rabbits, and cats.
• The use of a live animal is not allowed.

Rules/Regulations: See NC 4-H Presentation Regulations.

Materials:

Suggestions/Helpful Hints:

• Use visuals like posters or charts to make points. Lettering and pictures should be large enough to be seen clearly.
• Don't chew gum during the presentation.
• Include information about the care of small animals.
• Include information about the training of small animals.
• Include information about the veterinary science that is necessary to maintain a small animal pet.
• Discuss the diseases of small animals.
• Discuss where to get small animal pets.
• Discuss information on the nutritional requirements and why and what to feed small animal pets.

Awards:

• District Winners: Medallion & Monetary awards are listed in the 4-H Awards Handbook.
• State Winner: Medallion & Monetary awards are listed in the 4-H Awards Handbook.