RSPCA Cornwall opens summer sessions for animal-loving teens

Teenagers who spend their spare time watching animal rescue videos can try the real thing this summer. The RSPCA’s self-funded Cornwall branch is running a set of hands-on sessions at its rehoming and rehabilitation centre, giving 12 to 18-year-olds a look at what actually happens behind the scenes at a working rescue centre.

Places are limited. Each session takes six people, and the booking fees go straight back into caring for the animals waiting at the centre.

Two age groups, two sessions

The branch has split the programme into two strands, one for younger teens and one for those closer to leaving school.

Animal Allies (ages 12 to 15)

The younger group runs on Wednesdays from 29 July 2026, 10am to 2pm. It is aimed at young people who love animals and want to see what life is really like at a rehabilitation and rehoming centre.

Participants will learn about animal welfare, meet the rescue animals, help with daily care and enrichment, and get a feel for day-to-day life at the centre.

Work Ready (ages 16 to 18)

The older group runs on Fridays from 31 July 2026, keeping the same 10am to 2pm hours. These sessions are pitched at teenagers weighing up a career in animal care, veterinary nursing or animal behaviour.

Alongside hands-on experience, those taking part will shadow the animal care team, develop workplace skills, explore careers in the sector and pick up something worth adding to a CV and UCAS application.

Prices and booking

Each place costs £50, with only six spaces available per session, so the branch is encouraging people to book early. All sessions run at the centre, postcode TR9 6JS.

Places can be booked through the RSPCA Cornwall summer club page.

As a self-funded branch, every booking fee goes directly towards food, shelter, veterinary treatment and everything else the rescue animals need while they wait for their forever homes.