There is a $425 camp fee per child.

Sorry, no. Due to high demand we try to allow as many children as possible attend Animal Camp. Since each week of camp has the same curriculum, your child would not be gaining new experiences by attending more than one session.

Sorry, no. Due to high demand and long waitlists, we prioritize allowing new children to experience Animal Camp each year. However, we are happy to add your name to the backup list and if space is available in the weeks prior to camp, we occasionally draw from that list and allow previous campers to attend again. If you would like to add your name to this list, email our Humane Educator at [email protected].

Camp is held at our Lantos Center for Compassion at 1450 Rollins Rd, Burlingame, 94010. Please don’t confuse this with our other shelter location in San Mateo. Camp is hosted in the Multipurpose Room which has an entrance on Edwards Court closest to Rollins Road where you can enter to sign your child in each morning. The side door will be propped open by 8:50am, all other doors will be locked.

Camp starts at 9:00am and ends at 2:30pm. We are unable to offer extended childcare prior to or after camp hours. Please drop off your child no earlier than 8:50am and pick them up no later than 2:40pm.

Your child needs to bring a lunch and water bottle to camp each day. We provide vegan snacks each afternoon if safety regulations surrounding COVID-19 allow us to do so. In addition, sunscreen and a warm layer such as a sweatshirt are beneficial. The shelter dress code requires campers wear long pants and close-toed shoes to safely interact with animals. Please don’t allow your child to wear shorts or sandals. Cell phones are permitted so long as your child uses it appropriately. We are not responsible for lost, stolen or broken devices. Your child is not allowed to bring their own pet to Animal Camp. Please do not bring your pet to pick up or drop off your child at camp.

It is common for children with mild animal allergies to attend camp. However, it’s important that parents let camp staff know in advance so we can plan for how your child will manage animal interactions and symptoms of their allergies. Call our Humane Educator to discuss your child’s allergies at 650-340-7022 x369.

Lunch is eaten outdoors on a sunny patio that has native flowers blooming and occasionally bees are  present.

If your child has food sensitivities or food allergies, please pack them their own snack each day (in addition to their lunch).

Please be aware that we are NOT a peanut-free facility and while campers never come in contact with peanuts during camp, peanut products are regularly used at our shelter.

Only medication for serious and life-threatening conditions may be brought to camp. Campers that need to take medication at camp are required to self-administer their own medication, including EpiPens. However, camp staff are happy to assist children with minor cuts, bruises, scratches, and so forth.

Absolutely! In many cases we can accommodate campers with disabilities. If your child has a disability and you want to sign them up for Animal Camp, please call our Humane Educator at 650-340-7022 x369, prior to registration day (March 1st) to discuss whether this camp is the right fit for your child, as well as how we can accommodate your child and make sure they have a positive experience at Animal Camp.

Our cancellation policy provides a refund of the camp fee minus a $25 processing charge if we are notified at least four weeks before the session starts; a 50% refund if notified at least three weeks before; and no refund with less than three weeks’ notice.

Children will meet many animal species throughout the week. Some species, such as wildlife, campers can see and learn about, but won’t interact with. Each day we will focus on a different species or class of animals. Monday: exotics, Tuesday: small animals, Wednesday: dogs, Thursday: cats, Friday: wildlife. Every day we will make enrichment toys for the shelter animals and/or wildlife plus an art project centered around the animal we are learning about that day.

Regarding animal interactions, most commonly volunteers and staff members bring their own pets to meet campers since these animals have been approved in advance, are well socialized, and comfortable interacting with large groups of children. Campers will also interact with certain shelter animals that have been approved by staff. Safety of both campers and animals is our priority and under no circumstances do we allow unsupervised children to interact with animals. Campers are not allowed to feed or clean the enclosures of shelter animals as there is extensive training that goes into these processes. While we want children to enjoy their time at Animal Camp and we know that interacting with animals is the best part about camp, it’s important for campers to understand that it can be stressful for some animals to endure periods being handled, held, and pet by so many people. Therefore, we keep our animal interactions short and sweet, and we always teach campers the appropriate ways to handle and interact with a species before they are allowed to do so. Our goal by the end of the week is for campers to have a solid foundation of how to properly provide care for various animal species, as well as comprehend and demonstrate respect toward each animal, one another, and themselves.

Yes. Contact our Humane Educator for details and how to apply, 650-340-7022 x369, [email protected].