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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@peninsulahumanesociety.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 $15. 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 shelter for groups of up to 20 people (including adults for children’s groups). The tour guide starts with a discussion about the different kinds of animals received and services we provide. A walk-through includes seeing the dogs, cats and small animals up for adoption that day. There is a suggested donation of $15. 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—please call the Education Dept. at 650/340-7022 x308 for details.

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 an $8 fee per session and advance registration is required.

Animal Camp

Animal Camp is an intensive, week-long 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 shelter, the beginnings of dog obedience training, playing games, and preparing short reports on companion animals. We offer four camp sessions during the summer. There is a $180 fee and enrollment is limited to first-time participants. Please request a flyer and application early in the year.

2008 Dates (waiting list only)
June 23-27
July 7-11
July 28-August 1
August 11-15

You can download the forms through these links: Animal Camp flyer and Animal Camp application.

For Teachers and Parents

The Empathy Connection is a wonderful booklet on the importance of understanding and appreciating how others feel.