East Bay SPCA holds Humane Education Open House

The East Bay SPCA is holding an Open House to celebrate the launch of several new children’s programs offered at its new Education and Training Center at its Oakland campus.  The open house will be held Saturday, January 25 from 11 am to 3 pm at East Bay SPCA’s Oakland Campus: 8323 Baldwin Street. The event aimed at children and families will include:

-Animal meet and greets
-An animal career talk from East Bay SPCA staff veterinarian Dr. Cynthia Metcalf
-Make and take crafts for kids
-Shelter tours and Refreshments

East Bay SPCA President and CEO Allison Lindquist says, “We are excited to be able to expand our wonderful Humane Education programs like Animal Camp and Youth Volunteer Club to serve more students, children and families in Oakland and the surrounding communities. Our new 5,000 square foot Education and Training Center provides the perfect space to offer these outstanding hands-on, interactive programs. Each year, the East Bay SPCA’s Humane Education Department reaches more than 10,000 students through innovative programs and services that teach responsibility, foster curiosity, promote critical thinking, and encourage the fair and compassionate treatment of all humans and animals within our communities.

Previously, most onsite Humane Education programs were held at the East Bay SPCA’s Dublin facility where there is a large classroom and community room. In January 2013, the East Bay SPCA’s Oakland Campus broke ground on a new Education and Training Center, new Veterinary Clinic and began renovating its Adoption and Animal Holding Center. The Veterinary Clinic, Cat Adoption Center and Education and Training Center opened in late 2013. The remaining shelter renovation project is expected to be completed in April 2014.

“Offering children in our community the opportunity to learn about compassion, respect, citizenship and responsibility in a dynamic environment with animal interactions, activities and California State Board approved lesson plans is a great way to help foster compassion and bring the community together,” says  East Bay SPCA Humane Education Manager Joelle Cook. “All of our Humane Education programs benefit the animals in our care, and give back to the community.”

The East Bay SPCA’s Humane Education Department also offers in-school programs and service project opportunities for scout programs.

Families with children looking for community service credits can also get them through East Bay SPCA’s Youth Volunteer Club, Community Service Saturdays, or special projects. The organization is also proud to offer scholarships for its Humane Education programs.

About East Bay SPCA

The East Bay SPCA (EBSPCA) is a 501(c) 3 non profit committed to the welfare of cats and dogs in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. We strive to eliminate animal cruelty, neglect and overpopulation by providing programs and education that support people and companion animals. We operate two pet adoption centers and two spay/neuter centers in Oakland and Dublin. We also offer dog training classes and humane education programs at both locations and provide a full-service veterinary clinic at our Oakland location. The East Bay SPCA is one of the nation’s oldest humane organizations, in operation since 1874, and receives no funding from any national organizations. More information about EBSPCA can be found at www.eastbayspca.org or by calling 510.569.070