Camp P.A.W.S

Every summer, Animal Services sponsors Camp PAWS. Each 1 week camp offers kids from 8-12 years old the opportunity to work with a shelter dog and assist in its training, socialization, and grooming. This interaction helps children learn compassion, responsibility, and basic pet care while helping to make shelter dogs more adoptable. The camp also includes arts and crafts, presentations by animal professionals and field trips.

Applications for Camp P.A.W.S. are generally available beginning in late April and can be obtained directly from the Animal Services office or downloaded from this webpage. Applications are accepted during a two week period and may be submitted by mail or personally delivered to the Animal Services office during normal business hours.

Since spaces are limited, enrollment in Camp P.A.W.S. is conducted on a lottery based system, with participants selected at random from all applications received prior to the submission deadline. Registration for selected applicants is $25. Applications which are not selected are held as a waiting list should any camp vacancies develop.

Adults and teenagers interested in volunteering for positions as camp staff are encouraged to contact humane educator Linda Hardy at humane.educator@sloanimalservices.com.

                                                    Camp PAWS 2009

Heeling Touch

Animal Services has partnered with San Luis Obispo County's Juvenile Services to bring homeless pets together with troubled teens from our community. Youths participating in the program teach basic obedience to dogs from the shelter. In the process, they learn concepts, responsibility, compassion, and respect. At the same time, animals from the shelter become more adoptable. For more information on this program contact Animal Services Humane Educator at humane.educator@animalservices.com.