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2024
Critter Camp
2024 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 camps will include week-long adventures such as Vet Camp, Animal Rescue and Forensics, and Jr. Pet Pals. The day camps start Monday, June 3 and run each week through Friday, August 2 in the Carruth Education Center, located on the Houston SPCA campus.
Campers who complete 2nd grade through eighth 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, so there will be lots of games, along with plenty of cool crafts to be made. 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.
The week-long adventure is only $375, with before and after care available for an additional cost.
Houston SPCA Critter Camp 2024 Sessions Available:
The week-long adventure is only $375, with before and after care available for an additional cost.
Week 1: Junior Vet Camp (SOLD OUT)
Campers entering 3rd grade to 4th grade: June 3 – 7
Week 2: Vet Camp (SOLD OUT)
Campers entering 5th grade to 6th grade: June 10 – June 14
Week 3: Junior Pet Pals (SOLD OUT)
Campers entering 3rd grade to 4th grade: June 17 – June 21
Week 4: Vet Camp (SOLD OUT)
Campers entering 5th to 6th grade: June 24 – June 28
Week 5: Animal Rescue & Forensic (No camp on Thursday, July 4th)
Campers entering 5th to 6th grade: July 1 – July 5
Week 6: Junior Animal Rescue (SOLD OUT)
Campers entering 3rd to 4th grade: July 8- 12
Week 7: Animal Rescue & Forensic (SOLD OUT)
Campers entering 5th grade to 6th grade: July 15 – July 19
Week 8: Junior Vet Camp (SOLD OUT)
Campers entering 3rd to 4th grade: July 22 – July 26
Week 9: Get Wild! Exotics & Native Wildlife (SOLD OUT)
Campers entering 7th to 8th grade: July 29 – August 2
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.
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: Email the registration form and documentation to education@houstonspca.org / Subject: 2024 Scholarship. You must include a copy of public assistance documents or the most recent proof of annual income.
Step 3: We will contact you with any questions we may have or to approve your child’s registration.
Submission does not guarantee admission. Applications are processed in the order they are received, prioritizing those who qualify based on financial need. We have limited spaces in each age group, so campers will be approved for one week as space allows.
If the application is approved, we will send you a confirmation email 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 8:30 a.m., and After Care ends promptly 3:30 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 games, 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.
What is your cancelation policy?
Due to the high demand for Critter Camp, all sales are considered final.
Apply for Critter Crew!
STUDENTS SEEKING SERVICE HOURS: Join Critter Crew!
Summer Critter Crew at the Houston SPCA
