Youth and Animal Program

Each of our wonderful shelter stars is incredibly unique! In sharing stories of their recovery and rehabilitation, we’re inspiring students to recognise the community’s role in improving animal welfare.

Our Youth and Animal Program (YAP) focuses on enhancing both animal and human welfare through education and interaction. YAP fosters young people’s understanding that animals can feel a complex range of emotions. Through learning how to process animal behaviour, and read an animal’s body language, learners are encouraged to explore their own emotions and learn new ways to improve the lives of the animals around us. 

Register Your Interest

The Youth and Animal Program is open to groups of students in Years 7 through 12. The program can be delivered in two distinct formats: a single, 3-hour excursion or an extended program consisting of 2-hour sessions spread over four consecutive weeks. Opting for the extended version allows a more immersive and enriched experience for participants. To get your students involved in our Youth and Animal Program, simply use the form below.

Register Your Interest

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By completing this form, you are providing personal information to RSPCA NSW (we, us, or our). We are collecting your personal information to register your interest in our Youth and Animal Program. Supplying your personal information is voluntary, but it may impact our ability to register your interest if you do not provide it. Further details about how we manage personal information is contained in our Personal Information Collection Notice  and Privacy Policy.

Interested in working with animals?

Check out our RSPCA NSW Animal Careers Profiles.

Explore our Education Programs

AWARE

RSPCA’s AWARE (Animal Wellbeing: Awareness, Responsibility and Education) provides learning materials for students, teachers, and parents. These resources help young people and instructors develop knowledge, skills, and awareness regarding improving animal welfare, preventing animal cruelty by inspiring future animal welfare advocates.

Find out more
School Holiday Program

As part of RSPCA NSW’s School Holiday Program, learners spend a day at the RSPCA NSW Education Centre to learn about animals, positive pet care, and the ways RSPCA NSW supports both people and their pets. The program includes exciting activities like a guided shelter tour, a behind-the-scenes look at the Sydney Adoption Centre, and more. 

Find out more
Kids’ Corner

RSPCA NSW believes that strengthening kids’ connections to animals is essential to preventing cruelty. By helping young people develop their understanding of animal care, we’re nurturing compassionate, caring communities and creating future animal welfare advocates. 

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Youth and Animal Program

RSPCA NSW’s Youth and Animal Program focuses on enhancing animal welfare through education and community engagement. The program engages students in Years 7 through 12, developing their understanding of animals’ behaviour and emotional wellbeing. 

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Teacher and Educators’ Portal

RSPCA NSW understands the importance of teaching the next generation to respect, understand, and properly care for their animal companions. That’s why we’ve crafted special learning resources designed to help educators nurture their students’ understanding of animal welfare and health.

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Community Engagement

Using a ‘One Welfare’ approach, RSPCA NSW Community Engagement aims to support and educate communities to better understand and care for their animal companions. 

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Keeping animals in the homes they have is often the best outcome for all, which is why our outreach assistance programs strive to keep people and pets together.

We believe that every cat deserves to enjoy a safe and stable home, which is why we created our Keeping Cats Safe at Home campaign!

Frequently asked questions

How can I get someone involved in the Youth and Animal Program?

To involve a student in the RSPCA NSW Youth and Animal Program, please have their teacher or social worker contact our Education Officers at education@rspcansw.org.au 

Unfortunately, no. RSPCA NSW’s Youth and Animal Program is only available to groups of students between Year 7 and Year 12. To find out more ways to participate in our Education Programs, please contact our Education team at education@rspcansw.org.au 

Our Youth and Animal Program is open to any group of students between Year 7 and Year 12. 

Discover more about our programs by visiting our Education Programs page. For any enquiries related to our Education Programs, you can also contact a member of our team at education@rspcansw.org.au.  

There are so many ways you can help us protect and care for animals. 

As a charity, we rely on a generous network of donors and supporters to provide any training, treatment, supplies, and rehabilitation our animals may require. If you’re currently unable to volunteer, you can still donate to provide essential care to animals seeking their forever home. Your contribution, no matter how small, can provide our animals with ongoing support, giving them a better chance at enjoying a good quality of life. 

Even if you aren’t in the position to donate money to RSPCA NSW, you can support our shelters and adoption centres by providing our teams with essential animal supplies. Our shelters keep a wish list of items such as bedding, towels, and toys – items like these are always in need and greatly appreciated by our animals and staff.  

If you’d like to open your heart to an adorable animal companion, we can help you find your new best friend at one of our shelters and adoption centres. RSPCA NSW rehomes a range of adorable animals, including cats, dogs, birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, and more! We can help you find a forever friend at any one of our facilities. You can also adopt some of our animals through our partnership with Petbarn.  

Becoming a foster carer is another rewarding way to help our animals. If you’re unsure about adopting but looking to personally assist our animals, become a foster carer to help give our animals the love and attention they deserve!