Find answers to our most frequently asked questions about humane education school programs, camps and workshops!
School programs
Do you bring animals to presentations? We are unable to bring animals from our shelters to presentations. They are receiving critical care and we must prioritize their wellbeing. In-classroom presentations do not include live animals (unless specified by the presenter who will bring a suitable personal companion animal). Fortunately, virtual sessions CAN include a live animal as we are better able to accommodate their unique emotional and welfare needs. A presenter will set a meet & greet with your group for the last 10 minutes during the Q&A. If meeting an animal is important to you and your students, we recommend booking a virtual session.
What should I expect from a BC SPCA presentation? Our presentations are experiential! They are facilitated by caring presenters who have worked with diverse learners and have successfully passed a criminal record search with vulnerable sectors.
- Before the session, you will a welcome letter and a “kick-off” package. To get the most out of your learning experience, please complete an introductory activity with participants.
- During the session, a presenter will guide learners through an educational experience that incorporates CASEL’s 3 Signature Practices. Participants will then deepen their understanding through an inclusive welcome, an engaging activity, and we will wrap up with an intentional close. Teachers are required to be present for the duration of the presentation.
- After the session, you will receive additional resources to review and extend the learning experience. For example, each participant will receive a Bark! magazine (in-person only) and an invitation to join the BC SPCA kids club for free (optional, a $25 value).
How much does a presentation cost? As a donor-funded organization, your fee goes towards supporting our charity in covering materials and transportation costs, as well as ensuring that we compensate the presenters for their time, and we can continue to offer learning opportunities like these. We offer an equity-based pricing structure. When booking, please select the contribution option that best suits your situation:
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- Full price: $64 (Virtual $42): The BC SPCA is a charitable organization. Please select this option if you are able to. This will help us cover presentation costs, will help us to remove financial barriers for others.
- 50% Discounted rate: $ 32 (Virtual $21); Please select this option if you are addressing equity-related challenges, or any other considerations that may impact access or inclusion.
- By Donation: Please select this option if your class will be doing a fundraiser, collecting donations, or engaging in a humane education project (such as a school clubs).
If you wish to pay for your presentation, as well as make a donation we will gladly accept! If you have questions about our program costs, please email education@spca.bc.ca
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How long is each presentation? Each session will have three components: An inclusive opening activity, a hands-on engaging learning activity, and a reflective, closing activity with Q&A. For primary students, a typical session runs 45-60 minutes; for intermediate grades allow full 60 minutes. Discuss timing with your presenter.
Can we combine multiple classes for one presentation? Our presentations are learning experiences, so we present to one class or group at a time. If a number of classes or groups are interested, we will book a time with each and can offer multi-class discounts when booking. For large group presentations (over 30 participants), please email us to discuss availability and options: education@spca.bc.ca
Can I select a topic outside my grade range? We’re unable to accommodate requests outside the suggested grade range. Our programs are built around age-appropriate materials and B.C. curricular competencies. Selecting an unsuitable topic may limit the learning experience, and presenters may decline the request.
Can I request a topic you do not have listed? We’re unable to accommodate requests for single-class topics outside our current offerings. Each program is carefully developed to align with specific learning goals and curricular standards. If you are interested in a partnership, specific project or other opportunity to collaborate we would love to hear your ideas! Contact us at education@spca.bc.ca to connect further.
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Are your programs inclusive? Yes! We develop programs using an inclusive mindset and strive to accommodate different learning styles and needs. Please tell your presenter what we can do to better support the diverse needs of your students – such as physical accommodations for activities, learning preferences, or cultural considerations – before the presentation date so we can prepare the best materials.
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General Questions? Please contact us at education@spca.bc.ca
Camps & workshops
What can kids expect at BC SPCA youth programs?Â
Our goal is to offer a fun, inclusive, animal-themed experience to all participants. Through their time with us, participants will have the opportunity to connect with the BC SPCA and other animal-loving kids. BC SPCA camps and workshops include a variety of animal-themed indoor and outdoor activities (depending on the season), games and crafts. Participants also get to go on a shelter tour to see how the BC SPCA runs and observe some of the animals in our care. In addition, we often welcome guest speakers from the community to share and engage with us about their animal expertise. We want kids and teens to leave their time with us feeling more knowledgeable about animal issues and more empowered to make a difference.
Do you offer any financial assistance?Â
Yes! A bursary program is available for all BC SPCA youth programs. Parents/guardians who wish to apply may fill out the online application form prior to program registration. Kindly note, we have a limited number of bursaries available, and cannot guarantee that all applicants will be successful.Â
How much time do participants get to spend with animals?Â
While our programs focus on learning about animals and the environment in fun ways, they are not designed for registrants to spend all day with animals. We do our best to provide some hands-on experience with animals during the day, while also considering the welfare of the animals and the working environment of the shelter. With this in mind, participants should not expect more than 40 minutes per day of direct animal time. For safety reasons, kids will not interact with shelter dogs. Some interactions with temperament-tested dogs belonging to guest speakers or BC SPCA staff members may be possible. Â
Can I register my child for a program if they’re outside of the indicated age range?Â
BC SPCA youth program activities are designed for specific age groups. Children must be within the program’s specified age range as of Dec. 31, 2025 (e.g., for an 8-11 program, a child must be between the ages of 8-11 as of Dec. 31, 2025). We understand there can be challenges with this system. If your child’s birthday falls toward the beginning or end of the year, please contact our camp team, and we will do our best to accommodate.Â
Age exceptions:Â Our programs are designed for kids within the stated age ranges. If your child is outside of this age range, but would be interested in participating, please email camp@spca.bc.ca with your child’s name, birth date and your contact information, and we may consider age exception requests in the weeks leading up to a given program.Â
What methods of payment are accepted?Â
We accept payment online by Visa or Mastercard. Unfortunately our system does not accept debit-credit cards. If you would like to make arrangements to pay by cheque, please contact camp@spca.bc.ca. Your registration will NOT be reserved until these arrangements have been made. Â
What is your refund policy?Â
Spring break and summer camps: Cancellations received two full weeks before the start of the camp in which the child is registered will receive a full refund. Cancellations with less than two weeks’ notice will receive a 50 per cent refund. No refunds will be given after the start of camp. Â
Workshops and workshop series: We require seven days’ notice of cancellation for a single-day workshop and workshop series. Cancellations with less than seven days’ notice will receive a 50 per cent refund. No refunds will be given after the start of an event.
How can I communicate with staff about my child’s learning or behavioural needs?Â
We encourage parents/guardians to share any information that they wish about the registered participant. The program registration form includes space to outline any learning, behavioural, other needs or information that will help ensure a positive experience. Â
Can I register my child for more than one spring/summer camp?
Children are limited to registering for one of each program type (e.g., one All About Animals camp), but they are welcome to register for multiple programs (e.g., one All About Animals camp, plus an additional one-day workshop.