Birthday Parties
Interactive and Educational Birthday Fun!
The perfect birthday party for kids wanting to learn more about animals!
We offer fun-filled birthday parties with animal enrichment crafts, an interactive shelter tour, and tips from our staff to learn how to read animal body language. Party guests may even get the chance to meet one of our shelter animals! OHS birthday parties are perfect for children who love animals and are interested in learning more about animal welfare and animal care. Celebrate your child’s birthday with some four-legged fun!
Age Requirement: OHS birthday parties are suitable for animal lovers between six and 12 years old. To ensure the safety of all participants and shelter animals, guests under 5 years old are not permitted at OHS birthday parties.
Cost: $275 (up to 10 children), $325 (up to 15 children)
Parental Supervision:
A minimum of one parent/guardian must be present to assist with birthday activities and to supervise guests for the duration of the birthday party. Due to capacity limitations, up to a maximum of 20 people (including birthday guests and parents/guardians) are welcomed to stay.
OHS Birthday Party Packages:
There are two party packages at the OHS:
- $275 – For a party up to 10 children (9 child guests + 1 birthday child)
- $325 – For a party up to 15 children (14 child guests + 1 birthday child).
What is Supplied by the OHS:
- A staff facilitator
- Crafting supplies
- An animal interaction (subject to animal availability)
- Gift bag for the birthday child
- Interactive tour of the shelter
- Decorations (tablecloths, birthday banners, and centrepieces)
- Personal online fundraising page (upon request)
The OHS can place a cupcake order through Artisan Cake Design Inc. on your behalf; to purchase cupcakes, select the “Cupcake Add-On” when booking your party. A gluten-free vanilla cupcake option is available. Please note that Artistic Cake Design Inc. is not a certified gluten-free or nut-free facility. Cross-contamination cannot be guaranteed and is a possibility.
What Parents/Guardians Can Bring to OHS Birthday Parties:
- Food, snacks, drinks, and cake
- Cutlery, cups, plates, and napkins
- Loot bags for guests
- Contact information for parents/guardians of every guest
- Additional decorations (If desired. For the safety of the shelter animals, piñatas are not allowed at OHS birthday parties.)
Party Activities
A typical OHS birthday party will have the following schedule:
- 5 minutes: Group welcome & introductions
- 20 minutes: Animal enrichment craft
- 25 minutes: Interactive shelter tour
- 25 minutes: Animal interaction (subject to availability)
- 45 minutes: Parent/guardian-led activities (typically used to offer guests food and cake, open presents, and to distribute loot bags)
Shelter Animals & Availability:
Animal interactions are subject to availability on the day of the party.
Animals are behaviourally assessed for suitability in being with children, as well as health checked by our animal care team. Animal availability may be determined by an animal’s health or adoption status, stress level, and temperament.
All proceeds above and beyond the costs to run the party go to the animals at the OHS!
Booking an OHS Birthday Party
To register for an OHS Birthday Party, click on the booking button for your preferred package option. Select the desired date and time slot on the calendar and press “Book Now”. Fill out the registration form to complete your booking. Payment is required upon registration.
Up to 10 children – $275
Up to 15 children – $325
Book Now
For more information on birthday parties, see our OHS Birthday Party – Information Package.
Changes, Cancellation & Refund Policy:
Changes to guest list and any extra add-ons must be arranged and paid for a minimum of 10 days in advance of the scheduled birthday party to ensure supplies are available and food orders can be placed in time with our vendors.
Refund requests received 7 days in advance of the scheduled birthday party are eligible for a refund (a non-refundable $50 administration/deposit fee applies). Refund requests received within 7 days of the scheduled birthday party are not eligible for a refund.
Note: Full refunds will be issued in the event the OHS has to cancel a scheduled birthday party program.
For more information, questions or inquiries, please contact us by email at programs@ottawahumane.ca.