Shelter Pet Pals is an engaging educational program for 1st through 5th grade classrooms that helps students build essential reading and writing skills while fostering empathy, kindness, and respect.

Participating classrooms receive personalized letters from a VBSPCA shelter animal, introducing students to the basics of animal sheltering, pet care, and responsible pet ownership. Through these letters, students gain insight into the daily lives and needs of shelter pets, encouraging compassion and understanding.

Students also have the opportunity to write back to their shelter pet pal, practicing reading comprehension, creative writing, and self-expression. Each class receives one copy of the letter, and teachers are welcome to make copies for all participating students.

2025–2026 Shelter Pet Pals Schedule

 Shelter Pet Pals is offered twice per school year—once in the fall and once in the spring.

Shelter Pet Pals is an engaging educational program for 1st through 5th grade classrooms that helps students build essential reading and writing skills while fostering empathy, kindness, and respect.

Participating classrooms receive personalized letters from a VBSPCA shelter animal, introducing students to the basics of animal sheltering, pet care, and responsible pet ownership. Through these letters, students gain insight into the daily lives and needs of shelter pets, encouraging compassion and understanding.

Students also have the opportunity to write back to their shelter pet pal, practicing reading comprehension, creative writing, and self-expression. Each class receives one copy of the letter, and teachers are welcome to make copies for all participating students.

2025–2026 Shelter Pet Pals Schedule

 Shelter Pet Pals is offered twice per school year—once in the fall and once in the spring.