Important Information
Please note that while we make every attempt to follow planned programs, there may be some days where children are unable to pat or hold animals. This is due to the nature of our shelter; many of our animals are very timid and are not ready to be handled by a group. Decisions around animal interaction are always made with the welfare of the animal as paramount. All sessions may include visits to other animals around the shelter – please let us know if there are any animals that your child is fearful of or inexperienced with.
We endeavour to keep as close to our curriculum as possible, however in the event of bad weather or not having animals suitable for the session we will alter the curriculum slightly and/or utilise staff animals. The session will still be interactive and lots of fun!
Location: 12 Kirkpatrick Street, Weston ACT 2611.
Allergy Information: Please note that while we don’t allow children to bring nuts or nut products into a Kids N' Kritters program, RSPCA ACT is not a nut free environment. Our dogs are sometimes given peanut butter as a treat, and this is stored in our kennels. Please advise staff if your child has a nut allergy.
If your child is at all unwell on the day of their session, please do not attend the shelter. We have adjusted our cancellation policy to allow for absences.
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Session Information
Wombat Rescue with RSPCA ACT CEO
Love Wombats? Own a Tik-Tok account?
Calling would-be-Wombat wunderkidz and trendy Tik-Tokkers to this session all about wombats and how animals are featured in popular social media tik-tok.
The first part of the session is with Wombat Rescue where you will learn more about uniquely Australian, powerful and very cute wombats who are sadly facing real challenges for survival.
A short session follows looking deeper at popular Tik-Toks featuring animals. Participants will discuss our responsibilities towards our pets and learn how to safeguard them and ensure their well-being.
The last part of the session is a quick tour of RSPCA ACT.
Caring for Kittens
Did you know that over the summer, we can see thousands of kittens here at RSPCA ACT?
Kittens are super cute, but they need special care. Come and learn about the special types of food, handling and vet care that they need, and help brighten their day with some toys and love!
Caring for Young Animals
Puppies, kittens and other young animals are super cute, but need special care. Come and learn about the special types of food, handling and vet care that they need, and help out with some animal care tasks around the shelter.
Dog Talk
Dogs are fantastic, loyal companions, but it is important that we learn to read their body language to keep us, and them, safe! During this session, you will learn how to say hello to our shelter dogs in a safe and positive way, as well as when it is best to leave them alone.
Enrichment for Shelter Animals
This is probably our animals’ favourite session! Enrichment is so important for them, as it provides opportunities to use their natural instincts and behaviours, overcome fears and learn to trust humans. It also makes their day a lot more interesting.
Cat Talk
Love cats but find them mysterious? This class will help you to understand how cats see the world, and the many ways in which they communicate with us and each other. You will learn some cat friendly ways of introducing yourself, then spend some time with our shelter cats, observing their body language and practicing your new cat speak skills!
Junior Marketers
Do you love using social media? Do you want to learn how you can help animals through these platforms? This is the session for you! You will learn how to promote animal welfare by taking over our social media, picking and choosing what we post, writing pet bios, taking photos of the animals we have in our shelter and much more!
Pocket Pet Talk
Caring for small animals is a big responsibility - this may include rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, ferrets, rats or reptiles. Learn all about the special care that these animals need and the individual quirks and behaviour of each animal.
Healthy and Happy Pets
Did you know that our veterinary hospital helps thousands of animals each year here at RSPCA ACT? Our pets are super cute, but they need special care. Come and learn about the special types of food, handling, and vet care that they need.
About Our Workshops
Class descriptions, timetables and bookings will be released approximately one month before the commencement of each ACT Public School Holiday period.
Workshops are quite popular and often book out quickly. If you would like to be notified as soon as bookings become available, please email us at education@rspca-act.org.au
Or, become a Junior SupPawter and enjoy early access to all workshop bookings (along with many other goodies!). Junior SupPawter applications can be found here.
Workshops include a shelter tour along with lots of information and hands on activities. Topics vary each school holidays.
We also invite other local animal loving organisations in to present workshops from time to time; this helps children to understand the bigger picture of animal care and protection within the community. These sessions also provide an opportunity to learn about more specialized animals or areas, including reptile husbandry and basic pet first aid.
Generally, a Kids n Kritters Workshop runs for two hours, and includes:
| An interactive information session | Based on the chosen topic, with opportunities to ask lots of questions. |
| A shelter tour | Depending on what animals we have, we may see kittens, dogs, turtles, rats, guinea pigs or occasionally even a pig or goat! |
| Hands on activities based on the session topic | This can include preparing lunch for dogs, socialising with kittens, creating enrichment items for rabbits, tunnels for rats or more! |
| A chance to revisit any animals of interest | We can show them their new toys or treats, or just spend time giving them that little bit of extra love. |
Kids n Kritters Workshops are suitable for animal enthusiasts aged 7 -13. We are always keen to hear any topic suggestions as well, so if there is an area that your child is particularly interested in, please let us know!
What to Bring on the Day:
- All participants should bring their own labelled drink bottle
- All participants must wear appropriate clothing, including long pants, enclosed footwear, a hat and sunscreen
- Participants staying for multiple sessions should bring a snack and lunch (nut and egg free please). RSPCA ACT does not provide food as part of our Kids n Kritters program, but we do have facilities to refill drink bottles.
Please endeavour to arrive as close to the session start time as possible and wait outside the reception area with your child.
Our session educator and volunteers all hold Working with Vulnerable People cards and have met RSPCA ACT's requirements to attend Kids N' Kritters. For this reason parents are welcome to wait in our waiting area for the duration of the session, however are unable to attend the session with their child. Under special circumstances, you may receive permission to attend, however you are required to hold a WWVP card and pay the participant fee in full.