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Education Programs
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Education Programs
The Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA offers a variety of learning opportunities. To sign up or request more information about any of the following programs, please contact Amy Differding at 650/340-7022 x369, or amyd@PHS-SPCA.org.
Classroom Presentations
PHS/SPCA will send a humane educator to schools within San Mateo County for a grade-appropriate talk (generally Kg-6th grade). Presentations focus either on the basic needs of companion animals or on local wildlife. There is a suggested donation of $20. Classroom presentations must be arranged in advance, and teachers are provided with supplemental activity sheets for their students.
Shelter Tours
We offer tours of the adoption center for groups of up to 24 people (including adults for children’s groups). The tour guide starts with a discussion about our services, the different kinds of animals received, and ways people can help them. A walk-through includes seeing the dogs, cats, small and exotic animals up for adoption that day. We ask for $1 per tour participant. Tours last approximately one hour and are conducted on weekdays between 10:30am and 5:00pm by appointment only.
Creature Features
Adult and family education programs are given at the shelter several times a year. These vary from informative lectures to hands-on classes to drop-in learning events. You can check Events or request a flyer for dates and details.
Vet Shadow Program
Through this two-hour program, high school students can get an inside look at veterinary medicine in a shelter setting. Participants have the opportunity to hear about the background and experiences of a shelter veterinarian; observe spay/neuter surgeries in progress; take a brief tour of the In-House Clinic and x-ray room with a vet technician; ask the vet questions and find out what kinds of medical conditions we commonly treat. Space is very limited and students must sign up in advance. No charge, however a $15 donation is suggested. Two sessions offered in June and in December—students should call 650/340-7022 x369 for more information.
This experience is specially designed for high school students who want to explore a career in Animal Rescue & Control. Participants have the chance to learn how officers assist both animals and people; find out what skills are essential in this line of work; check out equipment used on the job and hear about actual rescues in our community; get a sense of how evidence is collected for humane investigations; and discover ways teens can help animals too! Space is limited and students must sign up in advance. No charge, however a $15 donation is suggested. A session is offered in May and November —students should call 650/340-7022 x369 for more information.
Humane Helpers
This afterschool program for 10-12 year-olds is held one Thursday a month, September-May. Students learn about different animal-related topics and about some essential functions of the humane society. The group also completes simple service projects to help the animals. Monthly themes are repeated each program year. There is a $10 fee per session and advance registration is required. Please call 650/340-7022 x308 for details.
Animal Camp
Animal Camp is an intensive summer learning experience for 9-12 year-olds. We emphasize responsible pet care and foster children’s understanding and concern for all species. Guest speakers bring a variety of pets for the campers to meet. Activities include touring the Center for Compassion, the beginnings of dog obedience training, playing games, and preparing short reports on companion animals. Four sessions of this weekday camp are offered between late June and mid-August. Enrollment is limited to first-time participants. There is a $265 fee; scholarships are available. Please request a flyer and application early in the year.
Animal Camp flyer
Animal Camp application
Animal Camp scholarship application
2012 Sessions:
June 25-29 FULL
July 9-13
July 30-August 3 FULL
August 13-17 FULL
Kids & Kits
A class just for 7-8 year-olds! The spring theme is wild babies and includes fun facts about songbirds, rabbits and squirrels. The fall theme is tame babies and includes cool info about kittens, puppies and pocket pets. Kids will find out how young animals are cared for at the humane society and make a treat for them. We’ll play games and do an art project too. There is a $15 fee for each two-hour class and advance registration is required. Please call 650/340-7022 x308 or email kschwarz@PHS-SPCA.org for details.
Celebrate your child’s birthday at our Center for Compassion! We host parties for 6-12 year-olds on select Sunday afternoons. Up to twelve children can be accommodated. Guests learn a bit about the animals up for adoption, and can help them too by bringing useful items in honor of the birthday child. Parties include a guided tour, animal-related activity, free time for refreshments, meet and greet with a friendly pet, and dog-themed favors for each child guest. The cost is $150 and proceeds support our work for the animals. Please email kschwarz@phs-spca.org to request a party consultation and indicate the month you are interested in booking.
For Kids
Students of all ages can learn more about helping animals by reading our Caring for Critters pamphlet. It includes suggestions for fundraising and collecting items to benefit the shelter animals too. Just click on the link to download a copy.
Lucky Me is a charming guide to animal companionship and safety for young children. And the author, Christi Drue Dunlap, is one of our Humane Education volunteers!
For Teachers and Parents
The Empathy Connection is a wonderful booklet on the importance of understanding and appreciating how others feel.
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