The OSPCA needs volunteers to bring pet smarts to classrooms

Volunteers are needed for a new OSPCA program.(Source: OSPCA)

If you'd like to help kids and pets, this opportunity might be the cat's meow.

The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) Barrie Animal Centre is recruiting volunteers to join its AnimalSmart™ team to deliver humane education to local classrooms.

"My favourite thing about volunteering is hearing the sweet stories the children share about their animal companions," said Chantelle Wright, who has delivered seven presentations and reached over 100 students in the Barrie area.

Under its Animals in the Community theme, the OSPCA offers free presentations for children in Grades 1-8 to foster empathy, promote responsibility and inspire a connection with animals.

As a registered charity, the Ontario SPCA depends on the support of volunteers to make programs possible. Volunteers can be someone other than teachers or have a background in education; they will receive one-on-one coaching and in-classroom mentoring with an experienced educator.

"We want to create a brighter future for animals, which is why it's so important to show kids how special animals are and how to treat animals with respect and kindness," says Nina Alexander, humane education manager at the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.

"The Ontario SPCA's AnimalSmart program is a fun and engaging way to get kids thinking about animals and what they need to be happy and healthy," Alexander said.