a white logo with text at the bottom saying Helen Woodward Animal Center. There are two kids with dogs, a horse, a bird and cats under a tree.

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Education COVID-19 Program Policies

In order to take precautions against the COVID-19 pandemic, our programs have modifications and safety protocols in place, which were created based on CDC and county guidance. Policies are subject to change; please review this page carefully and find the section below that matches your program type to review its details.

Non-Camp Programs

Program types: Birthdays, Interactive Animal Encounters, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, DogSmart, Snakesmart, Paws & Pages, School Outreaches, School Field Trips

  • Masks & social distancing if you are fully vaccinated:
    • Outside masks and social distancing aren’t required.
    • Inside masks and social distancing aren’t required.
  • Masks and social distancing if you are not fully vaccinated or any children between 2 and 5 years of age:
    • Outside masks and social distancing aren’t required.
    • Inside masks are recommended, social distancing is not required.
  • The program will be held outside as much as possible for ventilation.
    • The program may go inside due to certain animal/activity requirements, or if the weather requires. When inside, all windows are open and the room has an H13 HIPA filtration unit.
  • We will sanitize hands directly before and after using any shared items (including when petting animals).
  • Guests should not attend if anyone in their household has a fever or displays symptoms like coughing, sore throat or headache.
  • *Birthday parties: face painting has resumed!

Camp Programs

Program types: Critter Camp, You Can Be A Veterinarian Camp, Animal Care Camp

Camps adhere to K-12 guidelines as directed by San Diego County.

  • Masks and social distancing:
    • Outside masks not required, social distancing not required.
      • Eating will occur outdoors.
    • Inside masks are recommended, social distancing not required.
  • The class will be held outside as often as possible for ventilation.
    • The class will go inside throughout the day due to certain animal/activity requirements, or if the weather requires. When inside, all windows are open and the room has an H13 HIPA filtration unit.
  • Stable groups are maintained as much as possible and any mixing and sharing is limited.
    • When sharing is necessary (such as when interacting with the animal), we sanitize hands directly before and after.
    • Outdoor eating areas are shared and are sanitized before and after use.
  • Switching campers to be with siblings/friends after groups have already been assigned is not always possible. Groups are assigned in a manner to keep the same ages together when possible, and have maximums based on their assigned indoor space.
  • Please call us to cancel and do not attend if anyone in your household has a fever or displays symptoms like coughing, sore throat or headache.

Protocols are subject to change and this page will subsequently be updated to reflect those changes.

 

Contact us at education@animalcenter.org 858-756-4117 x318 if you have any questions or concerns.

Due to Hurricane Hilary, all  departments will be closing at 3pm today.  Stay safe!