Unsung Animal Heroes of WWII Activity

Supplementary Resource

Grade Level: K-3, 4-8, 9-12

Duration: 30 Minutes

Audience: Students, Educators, Lifelong Learners, Youth and Families

Museum Stories

For the Classroom

Animals

Activity Description:

Step into the role of a WWII recruiter and enlist your own animal into the war effort. Inspired by real animal service members, like Herman the Coast Guard cat (yes, with an official ID), this activity introduces students to the surprising ways animals supported the military.

Due to “top secret” copyright complications, we’ve recruited our Director of Education's own expert mouser, Doug the Cat, into the U.S. Navy to help tell these stories. Students will follow his lead by choosing an animal, assigning it a role, and creating a service record based on its unique skills.

Best for: Independent work, classrooms, or drop-in family activities
Time: 15–25 minutes
Focus: WWII home front & military support roles, creativity, and critical thinking