The GTHS offers a variety of after school programs for youth in our community who want to learn about the human-animal bond and interact with our shelter animals IN PERSON. Our exciting and engaging programs provide a safe place for youth to improve their compassion and empathy through positive social interactions, spend time with like-minded people and engage in cuddle time with cats and dogs. All programs are led by our Humane Education Coordinator, Molly Freedman, and her incredible team of volunteers.

Pet Sitters Course

Day of Week: Wednesday
Times: 4:30-6:30 pm
Length of Program: 5 weeks
Location: GTHS Animal Centre
Cost: $99 +HST
Max capacity: 15, 10-17 year olds
Start date October 25, 2023 – November 22, 2023

Youth Club

Day of Week: Monday
Times: 4:30-6 (11-16yrs) | 6:15-7:45 (11-16)
Length of Program: 8 weeks
Location: GTHS
Cost: $80+HST
Max capacity: 15 per session
Start date September 18, 2023 – November 13, 2023

After School Club

Day of Week: Thursday
Times: 4:30-6:00 (7-11yrs)
Length of Program: 8 weeks
Location: GTHS
Cost: $125+HST
Max capacity: 10 per session
Start date September 28, 2023 – November 16, 2023 (3 SPOTS LEFT)

Vets of Tomorrow I

Day of Week: Wednesday
Times: 4:30-6:30
Length of Program: 5 weeks
Location: GTHS Animal Centre
Cost: $199 + HST
Max capacity: 15 per session, ages 11-17
Start date TBD

Vets of Tomorrow II

Day of Week: Wednesday
Times: 4:30-6:30
Length of Program: 5 weeks
Location: GTHS Animal Centre
Cost: $199 + HST
Max capacity: 15 per session, ages 11-17
Start date September 20, 2023 - October 18, 2023

GTHS Reading Buddies

The GTHS Reading Buddies Program provides a safe space for kids and young adults to practice reading to the most compassionate beings – our resident dogs and cats! Students have the option to read to animals alone, or with the support of one our amazing Reading Buddy Volunteers.

For more information, email education@gths.ca.

Questions about any of our programs? Please email education@gths.ca for more information

Molly Freedman is our awesome Humane Education Coordinator. She has a Master’s in Education, a Bachelor’s in Animal Science and has been working with youth and animals for 10+ years. Molly has worked at First Nations Science Camp as well as an Equestrian Summer Camp and has been an active volunteer with the GTHS Humane Education Team for three years before she was hired to run the program full time. Molly has dedicated her life to the care and protection of animals. Her background in Animal Welfare has always focused on the human-animal bond and the many ways she can reinforce the healing powers of animals in the lives of our youth. In her spare time, you may find Molly hiking with her dog, Sasha, or cuddled on the couch with a tea, blanket and purring kitty, Mojito. Her spirit cat, Mai Tai, enjoys supervising from afar.

Stay informed on GTHS events, initiatives and programs. Learn how the GTHS team is serving the pets and people of the South Georgian Bay Area. Read heart-warming Happy Tails about GTHS Alumni. See a lot of really cute pictures of dogs and cats!