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For kids

Foster your child’s natural empathy through opportunities to express compassion, kindness, and love of animals.

Junior volunteers

Love animals and not sure if you can help? If you're 8-12 years of age, you can join our junior volunteer program! You and your chaperone or guardian (18 years+) just need to submit a volunteer application and attend a volunteer orientation to start helping cats and dogs in our care. You can socialize puppies and kittens, walk dogs together, help with grooming, and read to shelter pets. Once you reach 13 years of age, you can visit without supervision.

Critter Camp

Kids ages 7 to 12 will have a howling good time at our Critter Camp day camp. Critter Camp includes our popular week-long summer day camp as well as weekend sessions throughout the year. Camps feature a variety of guest speakers (virtual and in person), new animal friends, and activities galore.

At camp, young animal lovers will:

  • Learn special skills through our camp workshops, such as pet CPR, grooming, and behavioral training

  • Learn about animal care

  • Hear from guest speakers in the animal world using video conferencing

  • Meet adoptable pets

  • Engage in creative and educational activities

  • Participate in team-building workshops

  • Practice their reading skills by reading to our companions

Parent's Night Out!

Parents' night out is a fun opportunity for kids to spend time at the shelter while parents take some time for themselves - it's a win win!

Kids ages 5 - 12 will have a furrtastic time cuddling adorable adoptable animals, completing an animal-related craft, learning cool animal facts, and watching an animal-themed movie. 

The party runs from 4-8 pm and will include pizza and drinks. Our furry friends can't wait to meet you! 

Birthday parties

The BVSPCA is dedicated to promoting the welfare and humane treatment of animals, so why not start early? Birthday celebrations at the BVSPCA teach children how to be compassionate to our four-legged friends. It’s sure to be a howling good time!

Parties can be scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays between the hours of 11am and 5pm. Please provide a few additional dates in the event that your preferred date is not available. Payment is due in full at the time of scheduling to secure your date and time. Minimum age requirement is 7 years old.

Party package

  • Use of our party room and kitchenette for 1 ½ hours

  • 12 Children Maximum; must be accompanied by at least 2 chaperones (18 years and older) – A BVSPCA representative will lead the event

  • Table and chairs (set up and break down) and birthday-themed decorations including balloons, a tablecloth, napkins, and paper plates

  • A tour of the facility/meet with some of our adorable adoptable animals

  • One craft project (choices vary) or activity

  • Special gift for the birthday boy or girl

  • Small gift bags with party favors

  • Downloadable party invitations

  • You may bring cake, food, beverages, and additional decorations – a refrigerator is available for your use

Select a location to book your party

Kong stuffing parties

Looking for a fun activity for kids to help out at the shelter? Schedule an enrichment party for the kids to create items that enrich the lives of our shelter residents. Examples include stuffing Kongs (a hollow rubber toy) with a mixture of kibble and peanut butter, making cat toys, and building lick mat treats. (This opportunity is for kids 7 years + and a group size up to 15 kids.)

Select a location to book your party

Consider shelter donations instead of birthday gifts or for a donation drive

Your child can choose to give rather than receive on their birthday. Or holding a donation drive for a school or group project connects them to their community.

Check out upcoming events

Whether we’re hosting one of our fabulous Signature Events or bringing our adorable adoptables out into the community, the BVSPCA is always ready to make your acquaintance.

Events & resources for kids

Dog and child safety – video for young people

This video teaches kids learning how to correctly greet a dog, proper behavior around a dog, and how to prevent a bite.
Learn more

Giving Tuesday 2024: Help Shape the Future of the BVSPCA

Help shape the future of the Brandywine Valley SPCA as we remain committed to pets in need. This Giving Tuesday we are asking for your support to help us continue fighting for the most vulnerable ani…
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