Research shows reading can have a calming effect on shelter animals! Rescue Readers is a one-hour program for all readers, where participants read to the animals in our adoption centers. Readers provide soothing company to dogs, cats, and critters as they await adoption. As a bonus, new readers gain confidence and improve their reading skills. Both adults and children are welcome to become Rescue Readers.
Orientation
Are you new to Rescue Readers? An orientation is required before reading at any of our shelter sites. Orientations discuss the goals of the program and review animal body language as well as important safety precautions.
Orientation sessions have returned to in-person instruction and take place at our Golden Valley shelter. Each orientation is one hour in length and costs $10 per reader. Orientation includes time to read.
A parent or guardian is expected to be present with underage readers for the entirety of the program. We cannot accommodate non-reader siblings or other non-Reader youth at orientations or reading sessions. When registering, register the reader(s) only.
Upcoming Orientation Dates - NEW!
Sunday August 27, 1:30-2:30 PM at the Golden Valley shelter - FULL
Tuesday, August 29, 6:00-7:00 PM at the Golden Valley shelter - FULL
Wednesday, September 13, 6:00-7:00 PM at the Golden Valley shelter - FULL
Saturday, September 16, 1:30-2:30 PM at the Golden Valley shelter - FULL
Sunday, September 24, 1:30-2:30 PM at the Golden Valley shelter - FULL
Sunday, October 15, 1:30-2:30 PM at the Golden Valley shelter - FULL
Sunday, October 22, 1:30-2:30 PM at the Golden Valley shelter - FULL
Saturday, November 4, 1:30-2:30 PM at the Golden Valley shelter - FULL
Sunday, November 12, 1:30-2:30 PM at the Golden Valley shelter
Saturday, December 2, 1:30-2:30 PM at the Golden Valley shelter
Sunday, December 17, 1:30-2:30 PM at the Golden Valley shelter
Session details
Each reading session is one hour in length and costs $10 per session. Sessions are held at all three Animal Humane Society shelter locations. Do not register for a session prior to attending an orientation. Underage readers must be accompanied by an adult for the entirety of the program.
- Saturday, October 14, 9-10 AM, 10:30-11:30 AM
- Sunday, October 15, 9-10 AM, 10:30-11:30 AM, 12-1 PM
- Saturday, October 21, 1-2 PM, 2:30-3:30 PM
- Sunday, October 22, 9-10 AM, 10:30-11:30 AM, 12-1 PM
- Saturday, November 4, 9-10 AM, 10:30-11:30 AM
- Saturday, November 11, 9-10 AM, 10:30-11:30 AM
- Sunday, November 12, 9-10 AM, 10:30-11:30 AM, 12-1 PM
- Saturday, November 18, 1-2 PM, 2:30-3:30 PM
- Saturday, December 2, 9-10 AM, 10:30-11:30 AM, 12-1 PM
- Saturday, December 9, 9-10 AM, 10:30-11:30 AM, 12-1 PM
- Saturday, December 16, 1-2 PM, 2:30-3:30 PM
- Sunday, December 17, 9-10 AM, 10:30-11:30 AM, 12-1 PM
Looking for more dates? Rescue Readers who have attended Orientation may login to view all available reading sessions.
- Tuesday, October 24, 6-7 PM
- Saturday, October 28, 10:30-11:30 AM
- Saturday, November 25, 10:30-11:30 AM
- Tuesday, November 28, 6-7 PM
- Saturday, December 30, 10:30-11:30 AM
Looking for more dates? Rescue Readers who have attended Orientation may login to view all available reading sessions.
- Monday, October 16, 6-7 PM
- Monday, November 13, 6-7 PM
- Monday, December 11, 6-7 PM
Looking for more dates? Rescue Readers who have attended Orientation may login to view all available reading sessions.
Registration
Prior to registering, please review our education program policies and FAQ for our cancellation policy, behavior guidelines, and more.