Discover the DogSmart program in Del Mar, California—a private, hands-on experience that helps you confidently connect with dogs of all kinds. Learn to understand canine behavior with expert guidance in a safe outdoor setting.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels as the activities involve gentle movements and stationary learning with dogs.
Wildlife
History
Del Mar has a rich history as a coastal village that evolved from a quaint seaside community to a popular beach town, with the Helen Woodward Animal Center playing a vital role in animal welfare since 1972.
Conservation
The Helen Woodward Animal Center promotes responsible pet ownership and supports local habitat preservation efforts to maintain a healthy environment for wildlife and pets alike.
Helen Woodward Animal Center
Discover the DogSmart program in Del Mar, California—a private, hands-on experience that helps you confidently connect with dogs of all kinds. Learn to understand canine behavior with expert guidance in a safe outdoor setting.
Helen Woodward Animal Center in Del Mar, California, is a hands-on animal education and events facility that hosts camps, field trips, parties, and interactive animal encounters. The Center offers structured programs for all ages, including the DogSmart dog-handling lessons, Full Day Veterinarian Camp with suturing and CPR practice, and school-ready Spring Tails and Trail Adventure field trips that emphasize STEM and outdoor skills.
Birthday parties and family festivals combine private indoor spaces, themed playgrounds, animal interactions, crafts, face painting, and mini pumpkin patches to create memorable celebrations. Group-friendly experiences include customizable Interactive Animal Encounters and Crafting with Critters sessions that pair live animal ambassadors with guided art activities. Seasonal events such as Howl-O-Ween Harvest and the Howl-O-Ween Harvest Family Festival feature haunted-house explorations, hands-on STEM stations, and rotating animal presentations.
Programs mention expert guidance, age-appropriate instruction, and hands-on practice to build confidence and skills around animals. Many offerings are designed for schools, Scout troops, and families seeking educational enrichment, with options tailored to classroom goals or badge requirements. Activities focus on animal behavior, life cycles, veterinary skills, and responsible nature exploration. By combining practical instruction, live animal interaction, and customizable itineraries, Helen Woodward Animal Center supports engaging, educational experiences in Del Mar that cater to learners, families, groups, and event planners.
Reservations and program details are available through the Center's event and education pages, allowing groups to select durations, customize presentations, and plan age-appropriate activities that meet learning objectives and create hands-on memories for schools, scouts, and families alike regularly.
Location
Del Mar, CA
Located in Del Mar, California
Programs Offered
11 experiences
Camps, parties, field trips, and festivals
Educational Focus
STEM & Animal Care
Hands-on learning and vet skills
Event Types
Parties & Festivals
Birthday parties and seasonal events
Book interactive encounters, educational camps, birthday parties, or seasonal festivals in Del Mar — customizable options for schools, scouts, families, and groups.
Arrive early to settle in
Getting to the program a few minutes early helps you relax and observe dogs before your session begins.
Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing
Since the program includes outdoor activities with dogs, choose clothes and footwear that allow easy movement and protect you from the sun or wind.
Communicate your goals clearly
Be open with your instructor about your comfort level and what you want to achieve so the lessons can be tailored precisely to your needs.
Respect the dogs’ signals
Always follow the guidance on canine body language to ensure a positive and safe interaction for both you and the dogs.
Comfortable walking shoes
Helps you move easily and stay comfortable during hands-on dog interactions.
Sunhat and sunscreen
Protects you from strong sun exposure during outdoor sessions.
summer
Water bottle
Keeps you hydrated during the adventure.
Light jacket or layers
Useful for cooler mornings and breezy coastal evenings.
fall