Summer Camp Registration Now Open at Citizens for Animal Protection: Empowering the Next Generation of Animal Advocates
Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP), a trusted name in animal welfare and education in the Greater Houston area, has officially opened registration for its highly anticipated 2025 Summer Kids Camps. Offering week-long, hands-on experiences for children and teens aged 6 to 18, the camps combine compassion, science, and fun to foster lifelong respect for animals.
These immersive animal camps in Houston give young participants the opportunity to learn about pet care, wildlife protection, and even veterinary science through engaging activities and up-close animal interactions. The curriculum encourages critical thinking, builds empathy, and introduces youth to meaningful roles they can play in creating a more humane society.
A Legacy of Humane Education and Advocacy
Founded in 1972 by a group of concerned Houstonians, Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP) has grown from a small grassroots effort into one of Texas’ most respected nonprofit animal shelters and education centers. Operating from the state-of-the-art Jane Cizik Center in West Houston, CAP rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes thousands of animals each year while also investing heavily in humane education programs that inspire future generations of pet lovers and animal advocates.
With a track record that includes awards from PetsMart Charities and the ASPCA, and a 12-year streak of 4-star ratings from Charity Navigator, CAP remains committed to nurturing kindness and accountability through its outreach and education.
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What Makes CAP Summer Camps Special?
CAP’s summer camps for kids who love animals are more than just fun—they’re a way to teach young people the values of empathy, respect, and responsibility. Through a blend of humane education, hands-on animal care, science, art, and interactive games, each camper is given the opportunity to connect deeply with the animals in CAP’s care and the important work happening behind the scenes at the shelter.
Proceeds from the CAP Summer Camp program go directly toward supporting the animals housed at the shelter—including the purchase of food, medical supplies, and critical treatments such as heartworm care. CAP closely monitors camp expenses and actively seeks sponsorships for supplies so that more funds can be allocated to the daily care of the dogs, cats, and small animals they serve.
Families who participate in these programs are not only giving their children a meaningful summer experience but are also directly supporting Houston's animal welfare efforts.
The Value of Animal Interaction for Children
Studies consistently show that working with animals improves children’s emotional intelligence, empathy, and social skills. According to research published in Frontiers in Psychology, children who engage in animal-assisted activities demonstrate greater compassion and emotional regulation than peers who do not.
In the long term, experiences like those offered by CAP’s camps can lead to increased civic responsibility and a sustained interest in science and veterinary careers. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, early exposure to animal care significantly influences young people to pursue careers in veterinary medicine and animal sciences.
CAP’s programs are structured to give children the opportunity not just to learn how to care for pets, but also why animals matter in our communities and ecosystems.
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2025 Summer Camp Lineup: Weekly Themes for Every Age Group
Each camp runs from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and costs $350 per child, with themes tailored to different age groups:
Pee-Wee Pet Care
May 26–30 | Ages 6–9
Young campers will dive into the basics of pet care through fun games, creative crafts, and safe animal interactions. They’ll learn about feeding, grooming, and understanding pet needs—building early skills in responsibility and empathy.
Pet Sitting 101
June 9–13 | Ages 13–16
Teens will gain the tools to become confident, responsible pet sitters. With hands-on experience and real-life scenarios, campers will learn daily pet care routines, behavior basics, and how to ensure animals stay happy and healthy while owners are away.
Junior Vet
June 16–20 | Ages 13–15
Perfect for aspiring veterinarians, this camp offers an intro to animal anatomy, health care, and behavior. Campers will explore veterinary tools and procedures while gaining practical insights into the world of animal medicine.
Pets in Our Community
June 23–27 | Ages 6–8
Campers will meet and learn about service animals, therapy pets, and working dogs that support people every day. Activities highlight how these animals are trained and the important roles they play in keeping our communities safe and connected.
Pets Around the World
July 21–25 | Ages 9–12
Kids will explore pets and animal care in different cultures—from household companions in Europe to exotic favorites in Asia. Through games and storytelling, they’ll build a global perspective on how animals are loved around the world.
Teen Vet
July 28–August 1 | Ages 16–18
An immersive experience for teens considering veterinary careers. Campers will shadow professionals, explore anatomy and diagnostics, and practice hands-on animal care—all while learning what it takes to succeed in veterinary science.
Preteen Heroes of the Wild
August 4–8 | Ages 9–12
Focused on rescue and adoption, this camp teaches kids how shelters work and how they can help animals in need. Campers will meet adoptable pets, hear real rescue stories, and discover how they can make a difference as young animal advocates.
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How to Register
Parents looking for Houston summer camps that involve animals, kids' veterinary camps, or humane education programs near Katy and west Houston, can register online via CAP’s website. Each camp promises to equip children not only with practical skills but also with the values of compassion, responsibility, and community stewardship.
To register, visit cap4pets.org and complete the summer camp application. For questions, consult the camp FAQ or call the CAP education office directly.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
