Unleashing Creativity: Fun and educational AnimalSmart™ presentations for back-to-school

It’s back-to-school time, which means the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society will be visiting classrooms across the province with its AnimalSmart™ humane education program! 

Our program is about educating, engaging, and empowering the next generation to champion humane treatment and well-being for animals. This fall, we’re excited to unveil our new theme: Animals in Our Community.  

Get ready to dive into how animals enrich our lives and learn how we can make a difference together! Keep reading to learn more about humane education, the benefits of volunteering, and how you can get started! 

Who are the Animal Smart™ presentations for?  

Presentations are free and are available to school and community groups in our animal centre communities for Grades 1-8, with the goal of fostering empathy, promoting responsibility and inspiring a connection with animals. 

What does the new Animals in our Community theme cover? 

With the Ontario SPCA’s new Animals in our Community theme, kids will explore the incredible community programs offered by the Ontario SPCA. We’ll also delve into local pet services like pet stores and veterinary offices to learn how they keep animals healthy and happy. Plus, we’ll cover how to safely interact with animals you meet in your daily life. 

Designed like a “choose your own adventure” story, this experience features interactive group discussions, fun games, and thoughtful moments to inspire a deep love for animals. 

 What are the benefits of becoming an AnimalSmart™ volunteer? 

Each presentation includes information on humane education and has some interactive games and activities to keep students engaged and deepen learning through movement and fun. 

As an AnimalSmart™ volunteer, you will:  

• Ignite empathy in students 

• Give students a sense of responsibility to care for animals 

• Educate students on how to properly care for companion animals 

• Demonstrate the commitment it takes to have a companion animal 

The Ontario SPCA is thrilled to have 81 dedicated AnimalSmart™ volunteers, and we are now looking to add more enthusiastic team members across our animal centre communities. If you are passionate about animals, eager to make a difference in your community, and enjoy inspiring and working with kids, we’d love for you to join us. Help us make a positive impact—become a part of our vibrant volunteer team today! 

How to become an AnimalSmart™ volunteer 

You don’t need to be a teacher or have a background in education to join us as an AnimalSmart™ volunteer! We provide one-on-one coaching and in-classroom mentoring with experienced educators to help you succeed. Plus, you’ll be part of a supportive team of like-minded volunteers dedicated to making a difference. 

One classroom at a time, AnimalSmart™ engages the upcoming generation to become advocates for animals.. If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, visit animalsmart.ca to complete an online volunteer application. You will be invited to take part in a phone interview, asked to provide two references, and you will complete role-specific training.  

Sign up here.