Let’s inspire the next generation of animal lovers at Camp Joybound! This award-winning youth camp at Joybound’s Walnut Creek headquarters introduces students to the worlds of veterinary medicine and animal care, providing hands-on experience with dogs and cats in a fun and instructive environment.
“My kids loved their time [at Camp Joybound]. They came home with a whole new level of appreciation for our pets!”
– Carol, Joybound supporter
Award-Winning Camps for Kids
Throughout the week, camper will learn alongside, shadow, and engage in hands-on care with our clinic, animal care, training, and adoption experts. It’s perfect for students with a passion for animal care and wellness, life sciences, and medicine. This includes:
- Meeting veterinarians and animal care experts to learn about their backgrounds, career pathways, and ask questions about their work
- Seeing how surgery takes place and how to provide the best care for dog and cat wellbeing
- Learning techniques for dog and cat training, safety, and animal guardianship education
- And much more!
Upcoming Camps
We offer seasonal camps during Spring break, Winter break, and throughout the Summer, in addition to occasional one-offs at various dates throughout the year. Our upcoming Camp Joybound sessions are:
Ages
Depending on the camp, sessions at Camp Joybound can be open to children of slightly different age ranges (usually between ages 8 – 15). Please visit the page for the week of camp you’re interested in for the exact details. If you have a camper just outside that age range who would like to attend, please contact our team to see if we’re able to accommodate them.
Price
Camp Joybound’s fees range from $100 – $500 per camper depending on the length of the week at camp.
Register Your Child for Camp Joybound Today!
Questions?
Contact Us
Need more information about Camp Joybound? Please email community@joybound.org.
Camp Joybound FAQs
What happens during Camp Joybound?
Camp Joybound is a veterinary medicine, animal care, and behavior training camp. Campers learn how animals are cared for in a shelter environment, basic training skills, and an introduction to veterinary services. There are a variety of sessions throughout each day led by Joybound staff plus lunch and snack breaks.
Will my child interact with animals?
Yes, following safety and care instructions. Throughout sessions, dogs and cats will be introduced to campers for both skills learning and animal socialization. This is based on camper and animal safety and well-being, as well as availability. Any camper who interacts inappropriately with Joybound animals will be removed from the situation immediately, and parent/guardian contacted.
Does my child have to view clinic surgery?
No, campers are not required to view clinic surgery – it is always optional. Camp Joybound includes information, photos, and live viewing of animal surgery. We welcome students to try the experience. There are alternate activities for students not wishing to view clinic surgery.
What age range does Camp Joybound accept?
Most Camp Joybound sessions are for ages 8-14 years old. Please see each session for specific age range. For any questions or requests, please contact community@joybound.org.
What should campers bring to Camp Joybound?
Campers are encouraged to bring:
- A water bottle
- Daily lunch and snacks (we will also have emergency snacks)
- Any necessary medications
- Appropriate attire for camp: long pants, short sleeve shirts, closed-toe shoes
- Hat, sunglasses, extra sunscreen
- Mobile devices/watches are okay to bring and keep in backpack so long as they are not distracting birthday parties to animal-themed camps, we have a wide variety of programs to help nurture the next generation of animal-lovers.
General Joybound FAQs
Where is Joybound located?
Joybound’s national headquarters and primary adoption center are located at 2890 Mitchell Drive, in Walnut Creek, California.
The Joybound Thrift Store, Cat Lounge & Adoption Center is located at 1950 Market Street, Suite I, in Concord, California.
What kind of shelter or rescue is Joybound?
Joybound People & Pets (formerly the Animal Rescue Foundation) is a 501(c)(3) registered non-profit organization founded in 1991 to rescue dogs and cats from overcrowded municipal shelters and strengthen the human-animal bond for children, seniors, Veterans, and people in need. Read about our unique dual mission and origin story.
Our team is committed to finding homes for all healthy and treatable dogs and cats in our care. Animals with treatable medical or behavioral conditions are evaluated and cared for prior to rehoming them. Learn more about these classifications by reviewing Maddie’s Fund’s Health & Behavior Categories for Shelter Animals. Potential adopters are provided with all health and behavior history during their time at Joybound.
Can I surrender an animal to Joybound?
We rescue dogs and cats from overcrowded or under-resourced municipal shelters. We do not accept surrenders from the public. If you feel unable to continue caring for your pet, please contact our Resource Center or read about rehoming a pet.
If you adopted from Joybound, our team is here to support you through the difficult decision to return your companion. Please read our adoption return policy.
How is Joybound funded?
We are a non-profit organization funded by private donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations. Our complete financial information is available here. Joybound is a registered charity in all 50 states.
Does Joybound offer programs for children?
From birthday parties to animal-themed camps, we have a wide variety of programs to help nurture the next generation of animal-lovers.
Does Joybound offer advice on caring for a pet?
The Pet Care and Behavior Library is filled with helpful information on pet care, solutions for common behavior challenges, training tips, and more.
If you do not see a certain topic covered, please contact the Resource Center for guidance.
Does Joybound offer veterinary services?
Animals in our adoption program are given veterinary care at our state-of-the-art clinic, but we do not provide primary veterinary services to the public.
Limited services are available for low-cost spay and neuter, dental cleaning services, end-of-life services, veterinary assistance programs for low-income pet guardians, and wellness veterinary care for Veterans’ pets. Explore veterinary assistance options.
Will Joybound help fund my organization or project?
We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, relying solely upon donations to fund our programs. We are not a granting organization and do not accept solicitations for funding.
Other Youth Programs
Birthday Parties
Does your special birthday kid love dogs and cats? Throw their celebration at a venue filled with wagging tails and purring hearts!
Teen Volunteering
Volunteering helps teens grow as individuals and stand out on college and scholarship applications by showing initiative, dedication, and a commitment to social good.
Family-Friendly Events
From game nights to animal-themed movie viewings, we have a wide variety of fun and educational activities for kids and families.
Therapy Animal Visits
Our Pet Hug Pack® therapy animals visit hospitals, schools, colleges, and beyond, spreading the unique joy that only a pet can give.
