The Reading Fur Fun Reading Program is a mutually beneficial experience designed to help shy, anxious shelter animals feel more comfortable around people by having young advocates read to them. We want to encourage the animals to approach the front of the kennel when visitors and potential adopters are present. Animals who approach the kennel front get adopted more quickly, thus reducing the average length of stay.
Reading to shelter animals has many benefits for both the animal and the reader. Because animals don’t judge a child’s reading level, a child is likely to feel less hesitant to read out loud. This provides an environment for readers to gain confidence and improve their literacy skills. The animals also benefit from story time. A shelter is a stressful place for animals; reading time provides a calm, low-stress socialization opportunity. Scared and skittish animals have an opportunity to develop social skills and learn that humans are kind. Friendly animals get to have extra social time and are able to take a break from the shelter’s stressful environment. All reading sessions are chaperoned by adult staff members and volunteers. The adults provide reading support to the children and make sure safety protocols are being followed.
For our young volunteers, the Paws & Pages Reading Program helps foster compassion and empathy, while providing a supportive environment in which to develop their reading skills. In addition, the program provides children the opportunity to make a positive impact by helping animals in need.
Children ages 6 to 13 years are welcome to participate in PMHS-CV’s Paws & Pages Reading Program every Wednesday and read to cats and small animals. If you are interested in participating in our Reading Program as a reader or as a volunteer, please contact Community Engagement at [email protected].
Thank you for your interest in this program and for encouraging your child to put their “compassion into action” through volunteering.
What to Bring:
You may bring your favorite books if you’d like, but it is not required. We have a library of animal-themed books available.
PLEASE NOTE: One parent is required to attend and must accompany the child every time they come to read. Closed-toed, rubber-soled shoes are recommended to protect your feet and give better traction when walking through the animal rooms. You are welcome to bring a favorite book but we do have a library with animal-themed books to choose from. 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 least one week prior to your scheduled session if you need to cancel or reschedule. You can be added to an upcoming open session.
