Keeping your children entertained may seem challenging during the COVID-19 closures, but the Ontario SPCA Provincial Education & Animal Centre has some fun family ideas to keep to your kids – and your pets – entertained.
DIY projects
From homemade toys to treats, both kids and pets will love these DIY projects. Try making a DIY dog toy by rolling up an old towel and tying it into a knot in the middle – perfect for tug-of-war or a game of fetch.
For those of you with feline friends, try some homemade tuna treats. Find this recipe and find more fun pet toy ideas that your kids can make at ontariospca.ca/blog.
For hamsters, bunnies and other small animals, build a maze or a house out of popsicle sticks and cardboard. For more great ideas and information on animal enrichment and behaviour, check out the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society’s Shelter Health Pro website at shelterhealthpro.com
Get smart with AnimalSmart
Education is one of the key ways to prevent animal cruelty. It helps ensure all animals receive the respect that they deserve and allows them to be a positive and helpful addition to our lives, families and communities.
The Ontario SPCA’s dynamic educational AnimalSmart series for Grades 1-3 were created in consultation with teachers and address Ontario curriculum expectations. The lessons are designed to develop and maintain positive relationships with companion animals and help children learn how to live compassionately. They will challenge students to see their world through different eyes as they consider the needs and well-being of animals.
Download AnimalSmart for free at animalsmart.ca
Share paw-sitive messages on social media
The Ontario SPCA needs your help to send positive vibes to the animals in its care, and to the dedicated animal centre workers caring for them. Take a picture of yourself holding up your message and use #ThinkPawsitive to be featured in the online gallery. Your message will be shared with the staff and animals.
Visit: ontariospca.ca/blog/thinkpawsitive-campaign to download a template. If you're sharing from a personal social media page, please make sure your post is set to “Public” so the Society can see the joy you share!
If you have any questions regarding donations, programs and services at the Provincial Education & Animal Centre in Stouffville
