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2023 Critter Camp!
Do your animal lovin’ kids want to learn more about animal welfare?
Then Houston SPCA’s Critter Camp is the place to be over the summer! Our in-person, week-long adventures will include Vet Camp, Animal Rescue and Forensics, and Jr. Pet Pals. The day camps run from the beginning of June to the beginning of August each year in the Carruth Education Center, located on the Houston SPCA campus.
Campers who are entering 3rd through 8th grade will meet real animal experts in the fields of veterinary medicine and animal cruelty investigations, as well as animal rescue techs and wildlife specialists — with their native wild animal ambassadors in tow!
And let’s not forget it is camp! There are always lots of games like Giant Jenga, Cornhole, and beach ball volleyball, along with plenty of cool crafts to be made and even some for pets in need.
But it just wouldn’t be Critter Camp without critters, would it? Multiple playtimes are scheduled with adoptable pets every day because some of these homeless pets enjoy the socialization just as much as the Campers do.
Houston SPCA Critter Camp 2023 Sessions Available:
The week-long adventure is only $295 with before and after care available for an additional cost.
Week 1: Junior Vet Camp – SOLD OUT (Scholarships Available)
Campers entering 3rd grade to 4th grade: June 5 – 9
Week 2: Vet Camp – SOLD OUT
Campers entering 5th grade to 6th grade: June 12 – June 16
Week 3: Junior Pet Pals – SOLD OUT (Scholarships Available)
Campers entering 3rd grade to 4th grade: June 19 – June 23
Week 4: Get Wild: Exotics & Native Wildlife
Campers entering 7th to 8th grade: June 26 – June 30
Week 5: Animal Rescue & Forensic – SOLD OUT
Campers entering 5th to 6th grade: July 3 – July 7
Week 6: Junior Animal Rescue – SOLD OUT (Scholarships Available)
Campers entering 3rd to 4th grade: July 10 – 14
Week 7: Vet Camp – SOLD OUT
Campers entering 5th grade to 6th grade: July 17 – July 21
Week 8: Junior Vet Camp – SOLD OUT (Scholarships Available)
Campers entering 3rd to 4th grade: July 24 – July 28
Week 9: Advance Animal Rescue & Forensics – SOLD OUT
Campers entering 7th to 8th grade: July 31 – August 4
Mary S. Montague Scholarships
Our goal is to give all children the opportunity to learn about the world of animal welfare and career paths such as Veterinary Medicine, Animal Care, and Animal Cruelty Investigations despite economic challenges. All camp fees and supplies will be included, as well as daily lunch. Please note: There are a limited number of need-based scholarships available. They are granted in the order they are received.
Please note: There are Critter Camp registrations still available exclusively for Mary S. Montague Scholarship recipients. SOLD OUT weeks may still have scholarships available; see the schedule to the left.
Application Process:
Step 1: Complete the Registration Form. You can complete it within the PDF, or you can download and write in the answers.
Step 2: Have a scanned or digital copy of public assistance documents or the most recent pay stub ready.
Step 3: Email the registration form and your documentation to education@houstonspca.org / subject: 2023 Scholarship.
Step 4: We will contact you with any questions we may have or to confirm your child’s registration.
Submission does not guarantee admission. It is first-come, first-serve. As much as we’d like to accommodate all of the requests, we have a limited number of spaces in each age group. Please fill out your form and email it with your financial or assistance information today!
Once we receive your information, we will ensure there is still space, then send you a confirmation along with other important information for your camper!
Critter Camp FAQs
Where do I drop off my Camper?
Critter Camp is held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Houston SPCA’s Carruth Education Center located at 7007 Old Katy Road, Houston, TX 77024, adjacent to the Adoption Center. Parents and Caregivers are required to sign in and sign out your Camper each day. If you also registered for Before Care, arrival is 8 a.m., and After Care ends promptly 4 p.m.
What will my Camper do at Critter Camp each day?
Your Camper will get to meet some real animal experts including veterinarians or veterinary nurses as well as animal cruelty investigators and wildlife specialists; play indoor games like Giant Jenga Corn Hole or beachball volleyball; make crafts or treats for pets in need and spend some time each day with a variety of our adoptable pets.
What should my Camper wear?
Campers are REQUIRED to wear long pants and closed-toed shoes to protect their legs and feet during multiple animal interactions each day. They are encouraged to bring a light sweater as the inside of the building can be cold.
What should my Camper bring?
Your Camper is required to bring a lunch and a water bottle. They are also encouraged to bring a light sweater. While Campers are discouraged from bringing electronic devices, we ask they only use them before camp, after camp or during lunch.
Safety Protocols
The Houston SPCA continues to monitor COVID-19 and will follow the recommendation of local health officials and the CDC. Our current mask policy is optional.
Will an afternoon snack be provided?
Yes! An afternoon snack will be provided for each Camper. However, you are certainly welcome to pack an additional snack.
How much time will my Camper spend with animals each day?
In addition to all of the fun we have in store for your Camper, they will also have 3 animal interactions each day. Approximately 1 hour of visiting with a large dog, a small dog, and a cat chosen from our adoptable animals as well as possible trips to the Equine Center, based on availability. Please note: they are required to wear long pants and closed-toe shoes.
How much time will my Camper spend outside?
Campers will walk under the covered walkways in between buildings on our campus and may visit an animal outside in our Equine Center. They will also have a chance to venture out for some covered outdoor fun with oversized games like Giant Jenga or play volleyball in the covered Rescue Arena.
What is your cancelation policy?
Due to the high demand for Critter Camp, all sales are considered final. Parents or Guardians who provide written notice of cancellation to education@houstonspca.org on or before May 1, will receive a 50% refund of camp registration fees.
Apply Today!
VOLUNTEER STUDENTS SEEKING SERVICE HOURS:
apply for Critter Crew!
Summer Critter Crew at the Houston SPCA
Are you a teen volunteer (16 – 18 years old) who loves animals, working with kids, and is seeking service hours? Join our Critter Crew this summer to assist Camp Teachers and help make a difference with Campers from 3rd-8th grade. Volunteer service hours are provided! There are 9 weeks of camps, and we ask you to commit to at least 3 weeks.
Orientation is required on Sat., May 20 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
