2026 CLASS IS FULL - You can join our waitlist and you will be notified first when the next class opens for registration.

Education today. Advocacy tomorrow. Better lives for cats.

Rescue Rangers is a six-month youth program for kids ages 8–15, meeting once per month for 1.5 hours. Each class combines hands-on learning from rescue workers and volunteers. Participants earn a badge at every session and complete a take-home advocacy project they put into practice in their own neighborhood.

Note: A parent, legal guardian, or approved mentor age 19+ is required to attend alongside each child.

Join waitlist

What Kids Will Learn

Rescue Rangers helps young animal lovers understand how rescue works while encouraging compassion and advocacy. Topics include:

  • What is involved in cat rescue and why it matters

  • Why spay/neuter and preventative vet care is important

  • Basic feline behavior and how to safely interact with cats

  • How shelters, fosters, and communities work together

  • Career opportunities available in the animal world (including off-site visits)

  • Ways kids and families can help cats right in their own backyard

Each class attended earns students a badge that they can be proud to share!

Attend-Earn-Plan

Investing in the next generation of cat advocates matters!

Felius exists to create meaningful, authentic connections between people and rescue cats. Education is a critical part of that mission.

By participating in Rescue Rangers, you’re helping build a more informed, compassionate community. One that supports ethical rescue, reduces barriers to care, and improves outcomes for cats across the Omaha metro.

Who is this program for?

Rescue Rangers is for kids ages 8-15 who are:

  • Passionate about cats

  • Interested in exploring different career opportunities in the rescue world

  • Curious about how to help cats in their community

No prior experience required—just curiosity, compassion, and a commitment to learning. A parent or guardian 19+ years of age must also be in attendance.

Our inaugural Rescue Rangers cohort will meet on the following dates. All classes are held at Felius Cat Cafe & Rescue. Only the session “Careers in Cats” will be hosted off-site at Completely Cat Clinic.

2026 Class Schedule

CLASS 1: Intro to Cat Rescue
3/30 from 5:30-7PM
Earn your ‘Feline Friend’ badge

FelineFriendBadge

CLASS 3: Trap-Neuter-Return
5/18 from 5:30-7PM
Earn your ‘Cat Detective’ badge

CatDetectiveBadge

CLASS 2: Careers in Cats
4/27 from 5:30-7PM
Earn your ‘Careers in Cats’ badge

CLASS 4: Cat Health & Welfare
6/29 from 5:30-7PM
Earn your ‘Cat Caregiver’ badge

Cat Caregiver Badge

CLASS 5: Advocacy & Outreach
7/27 from 5:30-7PM
Earn your ‘Cat Advocate’ badge

AdvocateBadge

CLASS 6: Graduation!
8/31 from 5:30-7PM
Earn your ‘Graduate’ badge

Got questions? We’ve got answers!

Simply fill out the form below and we will get back to you ASAP!

Program Disclaimer & Participation Policy

Rescue Rangers is designed to be an inclusive and accessible program. Families may contact info@felius.org to request reasonable accommodations to support a child’s full participation. Space is limited, and families are encouraged to attend as many of the six scheduled sessions as possible. Program content, schedules, instructors, and activities may be adjusted by Felius as needed. In the event of a cancellation, families will be notified as soon as reasonably possible.

All participants are expected to follow Felius’ code of conduct and treat staff, volunteers, animals, and peers with kindness and respect. For the safety of all participants, Felius reserves the right to remove any participant from the program if behavior becomes unsafe or disruptive.

FAQ

  • The program is open to children ages 8–15. A parent or legal guardian age 19 or older is required to attend with their child for the full duration of each session.

  • Rescue Rangers is designed to be a shared learning experience. Having a guardian present helps:

    • Ensure a safe, supportive environment

    • Reinforce lessons at home

    • Encourage family conversations about responsible pet ownership

    • Model compassionate, ethical advocacy

    Guardians are expected to remain onsite and actively participate as needed.

  • Some sessions may include supervised cat interactions, but participation is always optional. Safety—for both kids and cats—is our top priority. We do require that all participant’s guardians sign a waiver prior to program participation. We focus on teaching respectful behavior, body language awareness, and consent when interacting with animals. For those with allergies, note that all of the sessions will be in buildings that have cats.

  • Participants will:

    • Learn how animal rescue works in real life

    • Develop empathy and compassion for animals

    • Gain confidence as informed advocates

    • Understand responsible pet care and community impact

    • Create an advocacy action plan to bring back to their neighborhood

    The program is also helpful for kids interested in fostering, volunteering, or animal-related careers in the future.

  • Yes. Felius is committed to creating welcoming, inclusive spaces for families from all backgrounds. If your child has specific needs or accommodations, we encourage you to reach out so we can support your participation.

  • Space is limited to ensure quality instruction and a safe environment. Registration is required, and sessions may fill quickly.