Calling all animal lovers! Youth and Animals is a fun and unique hands-on holiday program designed for teens 12-15 who want to learn more about our animal friends. Through exciting interactive activities and behind-the-scenes tour, they will discover what it takes to care for animals and how they can become animal advocates in their own communities.

Program Highlights:

Interactive Workshops: Engage in hands-on activities like preparing enrichment for dogs, cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs.
Guided Shelter Tour: Explore behind the scenes and meet adorable animals available for adoption.
Meet-and-Greet Session: Say hello to one of our friendly rescue dogs and learn about their journey with the RSPCA.
Inspiration: Learn how RSPCA NSW makes a difference and become an animal advocate in your community.

What does the price include?

Join us for a whole day of fun with exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Access: Explore areas of the shelter not open to the public.
Take home a School Holiday Gift Bag with goodies.
Certificate of Completion with a retail store discount.
All proceeds go toward supporting the animals in our care!

To ensure a personalized and positive experience for each child, groups sizes are kept small and a strict age cut off is enforced, and therefore, space is limited.

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Terms and Conditions

As a working shelter we routinely use peanut butter through the facilities as part of enrichment activities. If your child has allergies, please contact the RSPCA NSW Education team at education@rspcansw.org.au to confirm if the program is suitable for your child.
Appropriate footwear, clothing and a hat are required to participate in all activities.
Should a parent or guardian be late in collecting their child at the end of the session an additional fee may apply.
You need to provide a refillable water bottle, morning tea and lunch for the day. Any food or drink brought from home can be refrigerated if necessary.

Frequently asked questions

1. 1. Can my child attend a program outside of their age range?

No. Our programs have been specifically developed with the age of the participants in mind to make your child’s experience as enjoyable and impactful as possible. Furthermore, our Child Safety Policies reflect the age ranges of each program. Please note that if you book your child in a program that is not matched to their correct age, this booking will be cancelled.

1. 2. Can I accompany my child for the program?

Your child will be in the care of our dedicated and experienced staff. Parents or guardians will be unable to accompany their children throughout the day.

1. 3. Will my child be able to handle the animals?

Although we endeavour to make our programs as interactive as possible, participants should not expect to interact closely or handle our shelter animals. Although there is often the opportunity to meet and pat some of our furry friends, this encounter is not guaranteed. The aim of the program is to learn about animals and how we can improve their lives. In line with this messaging, we prioritise the welfare of our shelter animals and wish to minimise any unnecessary stress upon them.

1. 4. How active is the program?

A unique and exciting part of our programs is to go on an extended shelter tour and visit behind-the-scenes areas. We therefore requires participants to have a moderate level of fitness and good mobility to enjoy this part of the program comfortably. If your child has mobility challenges, please contact the RSPCA NSW Education team at education@rspcansw.org.au to discuss.