Sign up for the Paws & Tales
Reading Program!
Our reading enrichment program for children ages 5 to 13 makes reading fun, boosts confidence and encourages respectful, humane treatment for all animals. Not only does this make reading fun, it also builds a child’s confidence in reading aloud.
The Paws & Tales Reading Program was designed to help our shelter dogs become more adoptable. Reading to the dogs helps to bring comfort to and reduce the anxiety of shelter pets, and it nurtures empathy in children. Participants sit outside of the kennel and read to them.
PLEASE NOTE: One parent is required to attend the training and must accompany the child every time they come to read.
Closed-toed, rubber-soled shoes are required to protect your feet and give better traction when walking through the animal wings.
You are welcome to bring a favorite book but we do have a library of more than 100 animal-themed books to choose from.
You only need to attend ONE 30 minute training session, then you will be given a schedule of available reading hours. You can come read for as little or as long as you’d like during designated hours.
Cancellations: Please notify us via email or phone at 909-623-9777 ext. 608 at least one week prior to your scheduled session if you need to cancel or reschedule. You can be added to an upcoming open session. Due to high demand, we are unable to accommodate changes within seven days of a scheduled session.