Rancho Santa Fe, Calif. (April 7, 2026) – Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Humane Education Department is delighted to announce the kick-off of a Brand-New Event – FREE to kids of all ages – the Animal Buddies Family Festival! Animal-lovers are invited to explore the Center’s state-of-the-art education campus, enjoy animal-themed crafts and activities, all while rubbing elbows with the Center’s beloved Animal Ambassadors. The community is welcome April 11th and 12th, between 9am and 3pm – 6447 Bldg. B, Helen Woodward Way in Rancho Santa Fe.
For the first time ever, Helen Woodward Animal Center is opening its doors, at no charge, to San Diego animal-lovers of all ages. The sweet celebration of Spring is a reminder that our world is inhabited by incredible critters of all kinds! The Animal Buddies Family Festival is a joyful, seasonal event designed for families to celebrate spring together through animals, creativity, and play. Guests will enjoy hands-on animal encounters with a variety of species, themed crafts to make and take home, engaging activities and access to two playgrounds, whimsical face painting, and festive music throughout the event.
Best of all, Helen Woodward Animal Center’s beloved Animal Ambassadors will rotate in and out of the event space for some up-close-and-personal encounters, so there’s always someone new to discover as the event proceeds!
“We are so excited to open up this event to everyone,” Associate Director of Education Haylee Blake said. “We know that gas prices and tensions are high these days and San Diegans are needing some smiles and a chance to just relax and enjoy themselves. We truly believe in the magic of all animals. Daily, we see what our critters do for those who meet them. We’re delighted to extend that joy to anyone who would like to join us!”
The Animal Buddies Family Festival welcomes guests April 11th and 12th and runs 9am until 3pm. The cost is FREE for all participants. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information on Helen Woodward Animal Center’s Animal Buddies Family Festival, call 858-756-4117 x 406 or visit https://animalcenter.org.
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About Helen Woodward Animal Center
Helen Woodward Animal Center is a private, non-profit organization where “people help animals and animals help people.” Founded in 1972 in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., the Center provides services for more than 90,000 people and more than 10,000 animals annually through adoptions, educational and therapeutic programs both onsite and throughout the community. Helen Woodward Animal Center is also the creator of the International Home 4 the Holidays pet adoption drive, the International Remember Me Thursday® campaign and The Business of Saving Lives Workshops, teaching the business of saving lives to animal welfare leaders from around the world. For more information, go to: https://animalcenter.org.
