Monmouth County SPCA Offers Animal Rescue Camp For Kids

EATONTOWN, NJ — Does your child love pets and animals? Then consider signing them for this unique summer camp, offered by the Monmouth County SPCA:

The Monmouth County SPCA is thrilled to announce the return of its beloved Animal Rescue Camp this July, now housed in a newly updated space on the shelter's campus on Wall Street in Eatontown. This immersive, hands-on experience for children ages 6–13 offers a unique opportunity to learn about animal welfare from the professionals who live it every day.

“In 2021, our pilot camp sold out in just 46 seconds. We thought the website had crashed!” said Barbara Lovell, MCSPCA’s director of development. “The feedback from families was overwhelmingly positive, but due to staffing and space limitations, we weren’t able to bring it back until now.”

Thanks to recent capital improvements and a generous sponsorship from the H. Hovnanian Foundation, the 2025 Animal Rescue Camp is now back and with more options:

Campers can choose from full or half-day sessions filled with exciting, educational activities — from using a stethoscope to listen to a puppy’s heartbeat, to stretching alongside cats during “Kitty Yoga” sessions, to meeting with Humane Law Enforcement and Animal Control Officers and hearing first-hand how animal rescue is done with the laws that protect our furry friends.

The camp experience includes:

• Visits from veterinary staff, law enforcement and animal control officers, animal behavior specialists and pet therapy teams
• Behind-the-scenes tours of the SPCA’s state-of-the-art facility
• Live demonstrations of animal rescue and care, including instruction on what kids can do themselves when they see an animal in need
• Fun, themed crafts and educational games
• Direct interaction with shelter pets

Find out more or sign your son or daughter up here: monmouthcountyspca.org/animal-rescue-camp/

Edele Hovnanian, President of the H. Hovnanian Family Foundation, said:

“Our Foundation was moved by the goals of the MCSPCA’s Animal Rescue Camp- our foundation has always supported New Jersey youth, especially those less fortunate, and the care of unwanted animals is dear to the hearts of many of our board members. The goals of teaching children responsibility through caring for animals and seeing children and animals who may not have had the easiest life up until now discover the pure love that most animals give unquestioningly, are things we support. “

Because of Hovnanian's generosity, the MCSPCA has also been able to offer scholarships to Lunch Break, 180 Turning Lives Around and the Monmouth County Boys & Girls Club so those children can attend the camp.

“The benefit of having camp at the only SPCA in New Jersey with an adoption center, animal control division, and full-service veterinary hospital is that kids interact with seasoned, real-life animal professionals every day," said Abbey Gwydir, MCSPCA’s Events and Community Outreach Manager. "Children not only learn, but actively participate in animal rescue efforts. They become empowered advocates for animals while having a blast!”