TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — If you’re thinking about adding a furry friend to your family this holiday season, there is a new program aimed at helping toddlers learn how to play with baby animals.

The Pets and Tots event at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay is quite popular and lots of fun for kids.

Children under 5 can have playtime with tons of baby animals. They can pet everything from puppies and kittens to Guinea pigs and sometimes even ferrets.

They are taught how to safely hold animals while they all play together. Caretakers and their kids will also take part in animal-based activities including storytime.

Humane Society helpers say introducing young children to animals early on has life-long benefits.

“Studies show that kids who are around animals at any early age are more empathetic and have a lot of positive qualities. That’s where we want to start when they are so young,” says Regan Blessinger with the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.

Pets and Tots happen once a month and is $20. Two children per family are included in that price. You can bring more children for additional prices.

It’s also an event that helps promote adoption. Sometimes, parents wind up going home with more than just their kids!

“There have been quite a few puppies and kittens the parents have fallen in love with where they say I think that’s our new family member,” says Blessinger.

The next few sessions are already sold out, but you can sign up for the next available class here.