Humane Education - Fredericksburg SPCA

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.
All fees collected through Humane Education programs directly support our life-saving mission.
Programs have sessions ranging from ages 6 – 13.

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’s Compassionate Care Camp offers a hands-on opportunity for children to learn about animals and become advocates for their well-being in the community. Campers will discover more about dogs and cats, explore animal-related career fields, learn how to provide daily care for pets, and enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the work we do at the Fredericksburg SPCA. With engaging discussions and interactive activities covering a wide range of animal welfare topics, this camp is the perfect summer experience for any young animal enthusiast.

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

ANIMAL ALLIES ACADEMY

Animal Allies Academy now offers a streamlined monthly schedule and increased capacity! These engaging 4-hour sessions are designed for kids ages 6-9 and 10-12 to explore the world of animal care, learn about the vital roles within an animal shelter, and discover the principles of humane education. Through fun, hands-on activities and interactive learning, participants gain valuable insight into compassion, responsibility, and the importance of animal welfare…all in a supportive and exciting environment!

PAWSITIVE PATHWAYS

Pawsitive Pathways is a dynamic program designed for teens ages 13-15 who are passionate about animals and eager to grow as young leaders. Through engaging hands-on experiences, participants deepen their understanding of animal welfare while taking on real shelter tasks. Teens will get to flex their leadership skills by serving as ambassadors to mentor and assist younger participants in the Animal Allies Program. This unique opportunity will help them develop communication, teamwork and problem solving skills while making a meaningful impact. Pawsitive Pathways aims to help your young teens build confidence, responsibility, and a strong foundation for future volunteer or career opportunities in animal care and advocacy!

BARKDAY BASHES

Kids can now celebrate their special day surrounded by their loved ones and a shelter full of adoptable animals with one of our most pawpular offerings – a Fred SPCA Barkday Bash! Kids will enjoy animal themed crafts, games and memorable animal time! Customize your celebration with optional add-ons, like a one-of-a-kind canvas painting created by a shelter animal, or a Fred SPCA swag bag for each guest. Not only is this a fun and meaningful way to celebrate the animal-loving child in your life, but every party booked supports the care of shelter animals. Dates fill up quickly – click the button to learn more, check availability, and reserve your spot today!

COMPASSION IN THE CLASSROOM

Invite the Fredericksburg SPCA to your school through our Compassion in the Classroom program! These 1–2-hour interactive lessons are tailored by age group and topic, delivering engaging humane education that promotes kindness, empathy, and responsible animal care.

We offer visits to both schools and youth groups. Public schools can request visits at no cost, while private schools are asked to pay a small fee to support the program.

HEARTS & PAWS HOMESCHOOL PROGRAM

The Heart & Paws Homeschool Program offers homeschool families a monthly, age-specific, 3-hour session focused on humane education, interactive lessons, and community building. Sessions are affordable and designed to complement homeschool curriculums.

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!