Learn More about AnimalSmart™! animal smart volunteers

We are currently booking presentations for grades 1-8 in our animal centre regions across Ontario.

The Ontario SPCA and Humane Society strives to provide care, comfort and compassion to all animals in need in our communities across Ontario. In support of these efforts, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society has launched AnimalSmart™. These 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.

AnimalSmart™ presentations are offered free of charge to schools in our animal centre regions.

Looking to make an impact on students and get involved?
Join our Humane Education Volunteer Team!

humane education volunteer

Passionate about animals? Want to make a difference in your community? Enjoy working with and inspiring children? Considering joining our Humane Education Team to continue your journey of being an animal advocate! No prior experience necessary.

Volunteer Now!

School Presentations

Primary Level Presentations (Grades 1-3)

Theme 1: What If Animals Ruled The World? A Big Happy Planet For All

primary theme 1 siamese cat
Content: Have your students ever wondered what it would be like if animals ruled the world? In our Theme 1 presentation, your group will take a deep dive into learning how to care for and understand an animal’s well-being overall. Focusing on empathy towards animals and how important it is to keep them happy and healthy.

Learning Goals: By the end of this presentation students will be able to…

  1. Explain the importance of caring for and keeping animals happy and healthy.
  2. Describe and/or illustrate at least 3 ways we can help keep animals happy and healthy.

Curriculum Connections:

  • Social emotional learning skills
  • Transferable literacy skills
  • Broader curriculum connections to social studies & science

Book a Presentation Now!

*French presentations are offered in the following regions; Cornwall and surrounding areas (including Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry, Prescott & Russell), Midland, and York.


Theme 2: Animals have feelings too, Understanding our Companion Friends
primary theme 2 cute brown and white dog

Content: Animals have emotions too, but how do they tell us how they feel? In our Theme 2 presentation, your group will explore the different ways animals communicate with us to tell us how they feel. We begin with focusing on our own emotions and tie them to how our animal friends would show us the same emotion. Relating animal emotions to their own, students will foster empathy and understanding towards animals.

Learning Goals: By the end of this presentation, students will be able to…

  1. Identify their own emotions and compare them to animal emotions.
  2. Analyze an animal’s body language to recognize what emotions an animal is expressing.

Curriculum Connections:

  • Social emotional learning skills
  • Transferable literacy skills
  • Broader curriculum connections to social science and science

Book a Presentation Now!

Junior Level Presentations (Grades 4-6)

Theme 1: Tail Wagging Happy! The Importance of Caring for an Animal’s Well-being

junior theme 1 presentation smiling woman with two dogs in park
Content: Through the exploration of animals and their specific needs, students will deepen their understanding of providing suitable welfare for companion animals. In our Theme 1 presentations, students will engage in classroom discussions and games, collaboratively defining solutions to address the needs of different animals, fostering a broader perspective on caring for animals.

Learning Goals: By the end of this presentation, students will be able to…

  1. Describe the specific care requirements of different companion animals.
  2. Define and label the appropriate solutions to address the unique needs of different animals that commonly live inside of our homes.

Curriculum Connections:

  • Social Emotional Learning Skills
  • Transferable Literacy skills
  • Broader curriculum ties to Science

Book a Presentation Now!

*French presentations are offered in the following regions; Cornwall and surrounding areas (including Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry, Prescott & Russell), Midland, and York.


Theme 2: Emotional Adventures, A Journey into Animal Feelings

theme 2 junior cute black puppyContent: Explore the intricate world of animal communication to recognize animal emotions. In our Theme 2 presentation, students are diving deeper into understanding how animals express their feelings, and uncovering the methods they use to communicate with us. Students will further strengthen the connections of human and animal emotions alike, reinforcing the sense of empathy and compassion we show all animals.

Learning Goals: By the end of this presentation, students will be able to…

  1. Define and explain the concept of animal emotions, describing their understanding of how animals experience and express their feelings.
  2. Analyze the link between animal and human emotions, differentiating their communication methods.

Curriculum Connections:

  • Social Emotional Learning Skills
  • Transferable Literacy skills
  • Broader curriculum ties to Science

Book a Presentation Now!

Intermediate Level Presentations (Grades 7-8)

Theme 1: Being the Change, Caring For Animals and their Well-being

cute kat intermediate theme 1 presentation

Content: In our Theme 1 presentations, students will embark on a compassionate journey with us as we explore ways to create a positive impact on the lives of animals in need and promote their well-being through community engagement. Through collaborative discussions and sharing personal experiences, students will discover the impact they have on the well-being of animals and the communities they live in.

Learning Goals: By the end of this presentation students will be able to…

  1. Evaluate their impact on animals in the communities they live in through group discussion.
  2. Describe ways they can support animal well-being through community engagement.

Curriculum Connections:

  • Social Emotional Learning Skills
  • Transferable Literacy skills
  • Broader curriculum ties to Science

Book a Presentation Now!

*French presentations are offered in the following regions; Cornwall and surrounding areas (including Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry, Prescott & Russell), Midland, and York.


Theme 2: The Emotional Lives of Animals, Examining Empathy

lovely smiling dog with tongue out

Content: As your students continue on their path of understanding animal emotions, they will further examine the complex world of animal communication and feelings. Within our Theme 2 presentation, students will explore the profound ways animals express their emotions and the captivating techniques they use to communicate with us. This presentation aims to deepen the bond between human and animal emotions, enhancing our capacity for empathy and compassion towards all creatures.

Learning Goals: By the end of this presentation students will be able to…

  1. Describe the complex ways in which animals express their emotions and the impact it has on human-animal relationships.
  2. Apply the knowledge gained to demonstrate empathy and compassion in real-life interactions with animals.

Curriculum Connections:

  • Social Emotional Learning Skills
  • Transferable Literacy skills
  • Broader curriculum ties to Science

Book a Presentation Now!


Theme 3: Animals in Our Community (Coming Soon!)

parrot

Explore our AnimalSmart™ Artist Hub!

Highlighting our students’ awesome artwork and contributions to our presentations – showing what they’ve learned during the AnimalSmart™ presentations as animal advocates!

Wonderful Words!

See what our fantastic hosts and volunteers have to say about our AnimalSmart™ presentations!

Fostering meaningful relationships

Seeing how invested students already are in the wellbeing of their animals and the well being of animals in our Community Kids and animals are so naturally connected, it’s great to foster these relationships in such a meaningful way.

– Heather

So proud

My highlight was seeing a little girl look up at me with a big smile and say “I’m going to be a veterinarian.”

– LA

Wish to thank everyone involved

Heartwarming, well-organized and enthusiastic!

– Erika

Love hearing from students!

I really enjoyed hearing students talk about their own animals and how much they enjoyed spending time with them!

– Sarah

Thank you!

I loved being able to teach young minds and help influence them and educate them on animal advocacy.

– Jackie

Empathy

Bringing empathy and compassion into the classroom.

– Melissa
Our AnimalSmart™ Impact!

See the impact our AnimalSmart™ presentations have had on our communities across Ontario already in 2023!

Over 90 Schools Visited!
Over 90 Schools Visited!

200+ Presentations!
200+ Presentations                         Delivered!

6000+ Students Reached!
6000+ Students Reached!

45+ Amazing Volunteers!
45+ Amazing Volunteers!

AnimalSmart™ Host F.A.Q.’s

What is AnimalSmart™?
Students will learn about animal needs, behaviour and well-being.
What are these presentations, what do they cover, and what grades?
The presentations are separated into three divisions;: primary, juniorand intermediate.
How can I incorporate these presentations into my classroom if I’m an educator looking to book?
Our AnimalSmart™ presentations have been created with a studentcentered approach, with interactive activities, videos, discussions and a final cumulative task. Our hope is to engage all learners.
What’s the difference between the themes?
Theme 2, “Animal Emotions”, covers the unique and various ways animals express themselves to us,. connections will be made between human and animal feelings in a way that strengthens our relationships with animals while learning about their communication styles. Finally, theme 3, “Animals in our Community”, pulls important topics from the previous 2 themes while tying in the ideas of advocacy and how we can safely and effectively interact with animals within our communities.
Can I download the materials and do the presentations on my own with my own class/group?
By booking a presentation,  we can ensure that the material is shared with your classroom in the manner we intend.
Can I invite another class/group to join my presentation?
Our limit for presentations is kept to 30 students per group/1 class at a time. We maintain this limit to ensure that our presenters are not overwhelmed by larger than expected groups and to keep the group engaged during games, activities and discussions. If you know another educator/host that is interested in the presentation, please share with them the AnimalSmart™ website and have themfill out their own presentation request form. We will be happy to accommodate multiple presentations.
Do presenters bring in live animals with them during the presentation?
No, for the safety of your class/group and the safety of the animal, our presenters do not bring an animal with them. They are encouraged tohowever, add photos of them and their companion animals to presentations to spark conversations and engage the group.
What if I need to cancel a presentation?
We understand things change in schedules, or bad weather may arise in the winter. Please go to your booking details and hit “cancel” on your confirmation
email. We will try our best to reschedule at a time that is better suited, however cannot guarantee how soon before or after we will be able to book it from your original booking date.

AnimalSmart™ Volunteer F.A.Q.’s

What is AnimalSmart™?
Students will learn about animal needs, behaviour and well-being.
What are these presentations, what do they cover, and what grades?
The presentations are separated into three divisions;: primary, juniorand intermediate.
Do I need to have a teaching background to volunteer?

Having an educational background is not necessary to be a volunteer! Having an interest in animals, working with youth and being comfortable with presenting is an asset however all volunteers are offered oneonone training and guidance from a Humane Education team member. You will be provided with all the materials, including presentation speakers notes to help guide you through presentations.

What if I work full-time or if I can only volunteer on certain days of the week?
The majority of presentations are requested between the hours of 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 / 4:00 p.m. (school hours), Monday-Friday. We are seeking volunteers that are able to present during those times, and can provide their schedule in advance.
How many presentations do I have to do to stay as an active volunteer?
The Humane Education team requests that their volunteers are able to complete at least 4 presentations a month.
Can the host leave the classroom/group?
No, the host must stay in the room with you while you are presenting. The hope is that they are also engaged with the presentation and supporting you with group management to help keep the group engaged. You are a guest offering a great presentation, and they are there to support you in any way that they can!
What if I have a holiday booked for an extended period of time?
We just ask our volunteers to let the Humane Education team know if they are unable to present on certain days or will be away for an extended period.