Education & Youth
Education is an essential part of how we work towards creating a more humane world.
By teaching children the importance of treating the world around them with empathy, compassion, and respect, we come a few steps closer to living in a kinder world for everyone. We educate youth on responsible pet ownership, animal body language, and violence prevention in conjunction with larger lessons on human rights, environmental preservation, and animal protection.
Presentations & Field Trips
We believe that all children and youth deserve the opportunity to experience humane education programming.
Our presentations for schools are customized for the age groups receiving the presentation, ensuring every class gets age-appropriate information.
Our presentations are a great way for classes looking to learn more about empathy, kindness, and the animals that share our world. Browse our presentations.
We can deliver these presentations in-class, or during a field trip to the Calgary Humane Society. Furry Friends in the Classroom, Paw-sitive Change Makers and HELI are only available on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Presentation Fee starting at: $99
Field Trip Fee starting at: $199
Book a presentation
Book a field trip
Need to discuss subsidizing part or all of your experience? E-mail us at humane.education@calgaryhumane.ca to discuss how much your group can fundraise, and how much you would like subsidized. We can discuss program subsidization as well as bussing.
Community Group Tours
Tours are available for groups outside of school such as Scout groups, Girl Guides, and others—even a group of curious friends!
Tours consist of a 30-minute presentation about Calgary Humane Society and a 30-minute tour of the facility, where you’ll have a chance to see the animals and learn about their journey through the shelter and how we help them with a second chance at life.
Tours have space for a Maximum of 20 children/youths and 5 adults. We encourage groups to fundraise for the Calgary Humane Society before coming in for your experience. E-mail the education team at humane.education@calgaryhumane.ca for more information.
Tours Starting at: $50
Day Camps
An enthusiastic staff of instructors and friendly animals give your child an enriching experience filled with fun activities, crafts, guest presentations and, of course, some animal interactions!
As they have fun, campers learn about animal body language, respect, compassion, and how to provide a lifetime of care for animals.
Our goal is to provide Calgary with a fantastic day camp experience for children to learn about the animals that share our world and for children to have the opportunity to interact with shelter animals in a safe, controlled environment.
We offer kids’ day camps for youth on PD Days, and week-long camps during the spring, summer, and winter school breaks.
Youth Clubs
Our Youth Involvement Opportunities are a fun way to interact with animals and learn leadership, compassion, stewardship and respect.
Calgary Humane Society Youth Clubs provide youth aged 7 – 16 a place to get involved in animal welfare after school. We have 3 different age groups to ensure that we are always delivering age appropriate games, crafts and information.
Each club runs for 2 hours a night, once a week for 8 weeks. Clubs are offered in September, January and April.
Youth Fundraising
There are several ways that all ages can become involved in helping animals. Calgary Humane Society would love to connect with our youth donors on their initiatives!
Please contact Humane.Education@calgaryhumane.ca upon completion of your fundraiser so we can coordinate a tour.
Turn your birthday party into a fundraiser, host a lemonade stand, or get your sports team or community group involved in fundraising as a group.
To start your fundraiser click here!
Reading Buddies
Reading Buddies is a place where children connect with animals. Youth are given an opportunity to practice their reading skills to adorable animals waiting to be adopted, providing them with socialization and enrichment.
Our goal is to promote literacy among children and youth while inspiring them to become animal welfare advocates by learning about the Calgary Humane Society’s mission and values. Reading out loud to animals can help build confidence and enthusiasm for beginning readers.
Adults must stay with their children throughout the whole experience to be able to assist them with their reading and also supervise to make sure the children are enjoying the experience in a safe manner.
Staff will be available to guide the experience and offer assistance as necessary.
November 9: Register here!
December 14: Register here!
January 11: Register here!
February 8: Register here!
March 8: Register here!
We encourage those who register to bring a physical donation (such as a toy, can of food, linens, treats, etc.) the day of the event. You can view our wish list of items here.
If you can no longer make your Reading Buddies experience, please call or email us to let us know so that another child and an animal can enjoy the experience!
If you have any questions, please email humane.education@calgaryhumane.ca or call 403-205-4455 ext. 6544; we are happy to help!
Birthday parties
Next time you’re looking for a place to host a birthday party, consider the Calgary Humane Society! Our birthday party packages are for ages 6+, stress-free, tons of fun, and a great way to support animal welfare in Calgary.
Standard Birthday
Our Standard birthday package is a low-cost option for those seeking a furry and fabulous birthday experience. Our experienced birthday party facilitator will lead guests through an engaging birthday program including fun activities, crafty creations, and a tour of the shelter.
Your child’s party will include a visit from a special animal guest and finishes with time for cake and presents. The best part? We take care of everything—you just show up with the cake!
Party fee: $250.00
Party includes:
- Two-hour party in a private party space for 15 kids
- Full programming provided by our birthday facilitator
- A tour of the Adoptions floor
- A creative animal craft
- Interactive presentation
- A visit from a special animal guest
- 20 Juice boxes for the party guests
- All plates, cutlery, and napkins
- Age-appropriate decorations
Deluxe Birthday
Our experienced birthday party facilitator will lead guests through an engaging birthday program including fun activities, crafty creations, and a tour of the shelter! Your child’s party includes visits from two special animal guests and finishes off with time for cake, pizza, and presents.
Party fee: $375.00
Parties include:
- Three-hour party in a private party space for 15 kids
- Full programming provided by our birthday facilitator
- A tour of our facility
- A creative animal craft
- Interactive presentation
- A visit from two special animal guests
- Pizza for the guests; two large pizzas included, 20 pieces total, extra pizzas can be added for $25.00 each
- 20 Juice boxes for the party guests
- All plates, cutlery, and napkins
- Age-appropriate decorations
