AnimalSmart™

AnimalSmart™ is the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s humane education program, teaching compassion, empathy, and responsible animal care to children and youth.

Three Ontario SPCA volunteers in blue shirts speaking to a group of young students in a classroom

About AnimalSmart™

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society strives to provide care, comfort and compassion to all animals in need in our communities across Ontario. AnimalSmart™ presentations are intended to foster empathy and promote a sense of responsibility within the community, inspiring a connection with animals. AnimalSmart™ presentations take a student-centred approach, aiming to foster meaningful conversations about animals through discussions, videos and activities with curriculum connections.

Classroom Presentations

  • Primary Level Presentations

    Grade 1-3

    Theme 1: Why Caring for Animals Matters; Theme 2: Animals' Feelings; Theme 3: Animals in Our Community

    Book presentation

  • Junior Level Presentations

    Grade 4-6

    Theme 1: Caring for an Animal’s Well-being; Theme 2: Animal Feelings; Theme 3: Animals in our Backyard

    Book presentation

  • Intermediate Level Presentations

    Grade 7-8

    Theme 1: Caring for Animals and their Well-being; Theme 2: The Emotional Lives of Animals

    Book presentation

  • Join our Humane Education Volunteer Team!

    Passionate about animals? Want to make a difference in your community? Enjoy working and inspiring children? Considering joining our Humane Education Team to continue your journey of being an animal advocate!

    Volunteer
    Ontario SPCA volunteer and staff member standing together in a classroom during a presentation on animal well-being

  • Teacher Ambassador Program

    Are you an educator eager to create a pawsitive impact in the lives of your students, your community, and yourself? Become an AnimalSmart™ Teacher Ambassador and play a pivotal role in supporting the AnimalSmart program! Help guide your students on their journey toward becoming inspired, informed and compassionate animal advocates!

    Learn more
    AnimalSmart™ PAW-SOME sticker reading 'You Completed Theme 1' placed on a wooden table beside program materials

Our AnimalSmart™ Impact

See the impact our AnimalSmart™ presentations had on our communities across Ontario in 2025!

14,837

students reached

659

presentations delivered

96

volunteers delivered programming

960

volunteer hours logged

210

schools visited

Pawsitive Words About AnimalSmart™

Very engaging

“My class really enjoyed the presentation and were very engaged. It had the right balance of listening and active participation for busy students.”

Aurora Heights PS Primary Class

Interactive and empathetic

“Thank you for such a timely opportunity to share and remind students that empathy extends beyond relationships with people. We enjoyed the interactive slideshow and the game brought out the competitive nature of our students! Thank you, once again, for this insightful presentation!”

Maple HS Special Education Class

Knowledgeable and patient instructor

“Our presenter was extremely nice and patient with the students. She was knowledgeable about animals and delivered her message using simple terminology. Students were able to identify 3 important things an animal would need. The students were engaged and loved the presentation. Thank you!”

West Lynde PS Primary Class

Thank you

“Students love to share stories about their pets and the presenter gave them that opportunity. Thank you for allowing presenters to come share their knowledge in our classrooms.”

Valour PS Primary Class

Explore our AnimalSmart™ Gallery

  • Gifts for Kids

    Do you have a child in your life who loves animals? Buy a gift they’ll love, while helping support our AnimalSmart™ program.

    Shop Paws & Give™
    AnimalSmart™ educational program items including colouring pages, plush animals, certificates, and children's books