Birthday Parties
Interactive and Educational Birthday Fun!
If your child has a birthday party coming up, why not celebrate with the animals?

Birthdays are a chance to play and celebrate another year of growing up. We offer fun-filled birthday parties with tons of animal interaction, an interactive behind-the scenes tour and more! Our OHS birthday parties are an awesome way to help support the animals at the OHS by not only showing our shelter animals some love but also learning a bit about what it takes to be an A+ pet owner. 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 two hours in length and suitable for animal lovers between six and 12 years old.
Cost: $275 (up to 10 children), $325 (up to 15 children)
* To see availability and to book an OHS Birthday Party, please refer to the “Booking an OHS Birthday Party” section below.
Birthday Party Dates:
The OHS is currently booking birthday parties on Saturdays…
Book early! Please note all birthday parties must be booked in advance. Popular time slots may be sold out months in advance.
Time Slots:
OHS birthday parties will be offered on Saturdays at:
- 10 a.m.
- 1:00 p.m.
- 3:30 p.m.
Parental Supervision:
A minimum of one parent/guardian must be present to assist with supervision for the duration of the birthday party. Up to a maximum of 20 people (including birthday guests and parents/guardians) are welcomed to stay, due to room capacity limitations at the OHS.
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).
French programming may be available upon request.
PACKAGE DETAILS | PACKAGE ONE ($275) PACKAGE TWO ($325) |
---|---|
Includes one gift package for guest of honour (birthday child) | Included |
Animal interactions (subject to animal availability) |
Included |
Party hosted by OHS staff | One Staff |
Tour of the shelter | Included |
Party hosted by OHS staff | One Staff |
Tour of the shelter | Included |
Decorations (birthday banners, centrepieces and table cloths) | Included |
Plain or basic cups, plates, napkins, cutlery | Not Included |
Personal online fundraising page | Link provided |
OHS birthday cupcakes (Artistic Cake Design Inc.) | Not Included
**ADD-ON for $60 (Package One) |
OHS Birthday Party Packages – Food & Dietary Restrictions:
Bring Your Own Food: Parents/guardians are welcome to bring their own food, snacks and drinks on-site for their party. Cutlery is not provided. Alcohol is strictly prohibited.
ADD-ON Cupcakes: Cupcakes can be added as an optional ADD-ON. Vanilla and chocolate cupcakes are provided by Artistic Cake Design Inc.. A gluten-free vanilla cupcake option is available upon request. 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.
At this time, we are unable to accommodate dairy-free or vegan cupcake requests.

Party Activities
Crafts – Your group has the option of doing one of the following crafts:
- Small-animal craft
- Dog toy craft
- Cat toy craft
Specific crafts are chosen based on availability of supplies and the age of the group. Crafts can be taken home or donated to the animals!
Small animal interaction – guests will learn proper animal handling before the animal is brought to visit the party. Animals that may be seen here are guinea pigs and bunnies!
Cat gallery visit – guests are invited to visit our adoptable cats in the OHS cat gallery. Proper handling and visitation rules will be outlined before entering this space.
Shelter Animals & Availability:
To maintain safety and security of all participants, and to reduce stress of animals in our care, shelter dogs are not used in this program. Cat and rabbit interactions are subject to animal availability on the day of the scheduled 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 below by selecting the package option (Original or Deluxe). Select the desired date and time slot on the calendar and press “Book Now”. Fill out the registration form and complete booking. Payment is required upon registration. Registration immediately guarantees your date and time.
Package One – $275 (Up to 10 children):
Package Two – $325 (Up to 15 children):
For more information on birthday parties, see our OHS Birthday Party – Information Package.
COVID-19 Safety Protocols: In order to create a safe environment for all participants and staff (including children, youth and adults), participants are required to daily pre-screen for symptoms of COVID-19. To ensure the safety of OHS staff, volunteers and participants, we ask that you cancel or reschedule your registration if you are feeling unwell, have symptoms of COVID-19 or live with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the last five days.
At this time, masking is not mandated and is optional.
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