At the heart of the BC SPCA mission is humane education. Caring for animals helps children develop self-esteem, empathy and responsibility. The programs below encourage ways of looking at the world that respect the needs and difference of others, while recognizing similarities and relationships.

School presentations

Have a humane educator or BC SPCA spokesperson visit your school to deliver humane education presentations. You can also view a selection of BC SPCA humane education lesson plans created for classroom teachers. 

In the Lower Mainland and South Island, please contact Paula Neuman by email or call 604-647-5505.

Outside the Lower Mainland, contact your local BC SPCA Branch to determine which humane education programs are offered in your community. 

Tour a BC SPCA animal shelter

Shelter tours are at the discretion of the shelter manager and must be arranged well in advance.

Please understand that BC SPCA shelters are working adoption facilities with a priority on animal care and adoption. Viewing of animals is mainly for adoption purposes only as they are often under stress due to being in a unfamiliar environment. High stress levels can compromise an animal's health and human contact between animals can spread disease.

We recommend a school presentation by a BC SPCA representative instead of shelter tours.  Also, shelter tours are not recommended for groups larger than 12 or for kids younger than ten years old.

Contact your local BC SPCA shelter to inquire if they can accommodate a tour for your class.