humane

education

Where compassionate kids meet animal advocacy

The Fredericksburg SPCA has a robust Humane Education Program which offers youth programs to our community with opportunities for children and young adults to learn about animals and harness their compassionate nature. Programs will have sessions for kids ages 6 – 9,  10 – 13, and 14 – 16.  

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Compassionate Care Camp

Registration for Spring/Summer 2025 is now open!

Looking for a fun and educational way to engage your animal-loving kids this summer? The Fred SPCA Compassionate Care Camp offers a hands-on opportunity for children to learn about animals and become advocates for their well-being within the community!

Our camp is perfect for young animal enthusiasts eager to:

  • Discover more about dogs and cats.
  • Explore exciting animal-related career fields.
  • Learn how to provide daily care for pets.
  • Get a behind-the-scenes look at what we do at the Fredericksburg SPCA.

With engaging discussions and activities on a wide range of animal-related topics, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, every camp fee goes directly toward supporting our life-saving mission.

Camp Details:

  • Duration: Week-long sessions (Monday to Friday), Half-day and Full-day options
  • Times:
    • Half Day: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    • Full Day: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Location: In-person at the Fredericksburg SPCA

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to inspire the next generation of animal advocates. Spots fill quickly, so register today!

Thank you to Macaroni Kid Fredericksburg for being a 2025 Compassionate Care Camp Sponsor! 

Classroom

Humane Education Comes to you

Introducing Pawsitive Outreach, an engaging school program designed to connect students with the vital work of animal shelters! Our humane educator visit schools to educate students about the importance of animal welfare, responsible pet ownership, and potential career paths in animal care.

Ideal for students in grades K-8, this program fosters compassion, responsibility, and awareness about the role of shelters in animal welfare.

Bring Pawsitive Outreach to your school and empower the next generation to be advocates for animals in need!

Animal Allies

Animal Allies Academy

Join the Animal Allies Academy, an engaging program designed for kids ages 6-13 who are eager to learn about life at an animal shelter! Participants will discover the importance of animal care, shelter etiquette, and responsible pet ownership through hands-on experiences and interactive activities.

PAWSITIVE PAthways

PAWSITIVE PATHWAYS

Pawsitive Pathways, a dynamic program for teens ages 14-16 that offers an immersive experience in the world of animal shelter operations! This unique opportunity is designed to educate and inspire young animal enthusiasts while providing hands-on experience in various shelter tasks!

Humane Education Programs Registry

As a nonprofit organization, we rely on the generosity of our community to help us create fun, educational experiences for young animal advocates and enrich the lives of the shelter pets in our care.

Through your donations, we will provide:

  • Snack items to keep our young participants energized during programs-recognizing that kids sometimes forget to pack their own.
  • Food items used to create engaging enrichment activities for our shelter pets.
  • Art supplies for crafts, projects, and activities that inspire creativity and compassion.
  • Shelter supplies to support the daily care and overall function of the shelter.


Many of our Humane Education activities involve helping with shelter tasks, creating enrichment items, and learning about the care animals need while they wait for loving homes. These supplies not only enhance the experience for the kids but also directly benefit the animals and support the mission of the Fredericksburg SPCA.

Some specific items include:

  • Plates and bowls: These will help reduce our environmental footprint by providing a reusable option for crafts such as painting or separating beads/bells, reducing waste in the process.
  • Water toys: These will keep the kids engaged during outdoor activities that mimic cat and dog behaviors in a fun way. The toys can also be utilized for shelter animals when needed, further benefiting our residents.
  • Food containers and socks: These may seem random, but they will be repurposed to create homemade enrichment items for our shelter animals, helping to stimulate and engage them while they await adoption.
  • Card games: These will provide entertainment and engagement for the kids in case of changes in plans, such as weather shifts or emergencies.

Every item you contribute helps us teach kindness, promote animal welfare, and make a lasting difference in the lives of both children and animals in our community. We are deeply grateful for your support!