2026
We Look Forward to Seeing You This Summer!
Houston SPCA's Critter Camp
Does your child love animals and want to learn more about animal welfare?
Then Houston SPCA’s Critter Camp is the place to be this summer! The day camp starts Monday, June 1, and runs each week through Friday, July 31, 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 fun and games, along with plenty of cool crafts to be made. But it just wouldn’t be Critter Camp without critters, would it? Camp includes daily animal interactions with some of our adoptable pets because some of them enjoy the socialization just as much as our Campers do!
Houston SPCA Critter Camp 2026
New and Improved 2026 Schedule Coming Soon!
Registration opens Monday, February 2nd.
Week 1: June 1-5
Pet Pals (incoming 3rd & 4th graders)
Week 2: June 8-12
Animal Rescue (incoming 5th & 6th graders)
Week 3: June 15-19
Animal Adventure (incoming 3rd & 4th graders)
Week 4: June 22-26
Backyard Biologist (incoming 5th & 6th graders)
Week 5: June 29- July 3
Pet Pals (incoming 3rd & 4th graders)
Week 6: July 6-10
Animal Rescue (incoming 5th & 6th graders)
Week 7: July 13-17
Animal Adventure (incoming 3rd & 4th graders)
Week 8: July 20-24
Backyard Biologist (incoming 5th & 6th graders)
Week 9: July 27-31
Animal Careers (incoming 7th & 8th graders)
Mary S. Montague Scholarship Applications
Applications for the Mary S. Montague Scholarship are now closed. Check back Monday, March 16, 2026 for updates on scholarship information.
Our goal is to give 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 through a Mary S. Montague Scholarship. All camp fees and supplies are 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 some Critter Camp registrations reserved exclusively for Mary S. Montague Scholarship recipients. SOLD OUT weeks may have scholarships available.
Application Process:
Step 1: Complete the registration form.
Step 2: Email the registration form and documentation to [email protected] Subject line: 2026 Scholarship. You must include a copy of public assistance documents and 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.
If the application is approved, we will send you a confirmation email along with other important information for your Camper!
Volunteer Students Seeking Service Hours: Apply for Critter Crew!
Applications will reopen March 2026.
Are you a teen volunteer (16 – 18 years old) who loves animals, working with kids, and is seeking service hours? Apply to join 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. Please fill out this short application today.
