Youth Education

The Animal Pad is excited to offer an education program that aims to cultivate and promote a positive connection between youth and animals throughout San Diego.  We seek to make impactful connections with our community and create a healthy and safe relationship between youth and animals. We believe that all children deserve the opportunity to engage and create meaningful relationships with rescue dogs and learn how to respect, advocate, and show kindness to humans and animals.

These programs are led by Missy Waters, who has been volunteering with TAP for 3 years. In addition to her work with TAP, she has a masters in educational counseling with 5 years school based experience and 5 additional years of experience working with children in various other settings. This programs will be ran by other volunteers but materials are made by Missy. 

Camp Tappy Tails 

A camp for dog loving children ages 7-12.  Campers will bring their own lunches. Safety is our number one priority, therefore direct contact will only be made with dogs that have been fully vetted and tested with children.

Summer Camp: Each camp will be one week long (each week will be the same). The campers will learn all about dogs and the world of rescue including dog behavior, safety and the importance of rescuing. Activities will include making toys and treats for the dogs, painting pictures of the dogs and with the dogs, playing dog themed games and reading to the kennel dogs from outside their kennel.

Break Camps: These camps will be held on scheduled no school days. Each day will have a different social emotional topic that all the activities will align with and will be taught through dogs and their rescue stories. Additional activities will include making toys and treats for the dogs, painting pictures of the dogs and with the dogs, playing dog themed games and reading to the kennel dogs from outside their kennel.

For more information email Missy at Mlw.theanimalpad@gmail.com

Camp Wish List

School Programs

We offer Field Trips to our facility, Outreach Visits (30-45 minutes of sharing what we do, the importance of rescue and understanding dog behavior)  or Educational Assembly/Workshop (the curriculum for these are focused on Dog Safety, Care, Rescue Education and Special Needs Dog Education). All of our school programs include visits from a few of our kid friendly dogs. To request one of these programs please fill out the following form: