FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions - Animals and Us Academy

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes definitely! No prior experience is needed before joining our programmes. Our programmes are curated for young learners who may or may not have pet ownership experience. The objective of our programmes is to improve the knowledge of our participants about animals around us and help them understand what it takes to be a responsible pet owner. Our programmes also include content on wildlife, conservation and nature in general.

For our in-person programme, participants will need to bring their own writing materials. We also encourage participants to bring along their water bottle, some simple snacks like biscuits or fruits (break times will be provided), and a jacket in case they find the classroom too cold.

A simple health declaration is included during sign-ups of our programme. Please inform us of any allergies or medical conditions that your child has on the sign-up forms. We will take note of these medical conditions and advise parents accordingly. Precautions will be taken to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment for all our participants.

All our classes are curated and taught by veterinarians. Animal welfare is an important focus of our curriculum. The use of live animals for teaching can be stressful for most animals that are not used to being in front or handled by a classroom of students. In view of safety and animal welfare considerations, we do not use any live animals as our primary teaching method. Studies have shown that replacements, such as puppetry and animal soft toys can achieve similar learning outcome.

Where live animals are used in our in-person programmes, our veterinarians are present to supervise all interactions in a controlled manner to minimise any potential stress to our animals. At the Animals and Us Academy, we teach our participants to be kind and respectful towards animals and appreciate that different species of animals react to being handled differently. These messages are continuously reinforced during our programmes.

The teaching materials used depends on the programme and the age-group of our participants. As much as possible, we use real-life tools and accessories (e.g. cages, pet toys, veterinary equipment) that are used for taking care or feeding our pets. This is to provide a realistic learning environment for our participants and to provide sensory learning experiences. We also use puppetry and animal models to teach about animal body parts and animal behaviour. Most of our programmes include a handbook with activities for our participants to complete and bring home.

Most of our in-person programmes are drop off only. Parents can pick up their child at the designated end time.

We do conduct customised family programmes for families who are interested to learn more about pet ownership or animals in general. Having a pet is a big family decision and all family members are encouraged to learn about and participate in the care of the pet. Our family workshops also serve as a great family-bonding activity and can take place at the comfort of your home. If you currently own a pet, we can also customise a workshop for your family to learn how to better take care of your furry family member.

Some of our online programmes (e.g. Microscopy Discovery Workshop) are suitable for parents to join in with their child. We encourage parents to join us and explore the wonderful world of animals together with their child.

Our in-person class size is usually set at a minimum of 4 pax and maximum of 10 pax. This may vary depending on the prevailing COVID-19 regulations.

Our veterinarian/educator to children ratio is usually 1:5 to 1:10, depending on the programme and class size. This optimises educator-to-student learning, and also peer-to-peer learning from other participants.

You may sign up through our webpage by clicking on the “Register Now” button which can be found under each programme’s webpage.

Please refer to our individual programme webpage for the programme fees.

We accept the following modes of payment:

  • Internet bank transfer or ATM transfer can be made to ‘VetTrust Singapore Pte Ltd’, DBS Bank Account 072-0310-292 or;
  • Transfer via PayNow to UEN 202032165C
  • PayPal
  • Credit Card

We do wish your child a speedy recovery. Please contact us to make alternative arrangements for your child to attend our next available run of the programme. If the same programme is not available, we will offer you an alternative programme of equivalent value.

Due to our small class sizes and high veterinarian/educator to participant ratio, we seek your understanding that there will be no refund for any withdrawal. Please ensure that your child is able to attend on the selected programme date before registration.

We do conduct customised workshops and programmes for families and groups. Do drop us an email and we will get back to you.