Research shows reading can have a calming effect on 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.
Private group sessions
Make Rescue Readers a special occasion! Private group sessions are available Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., as well as Saturday and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Participants must complete an orientation session. After orientation, they can sign up for reading sessions. Readers can choose to spend the entire hour with one animal or divide their time among multiple animals.
AHS will provide books to read and blankets to sit on, but readers may also bring their favorite books from home. Every participant will receive a special Rescue Readers bookmark, reading log, and certificate.
Cost
- Orientation: $15
- Reading session: $10
- Rescue Readers season pass (unlimited sessions): $50
Registration covers the cost for one reader and one parent or guardian (for participants under the age of 16). Parents or guardians are expected to be present with their child for the entirety of the program. Up to two readers may read with one parent. We are unable to accommodate unregistered siblings at orientation and reading sessions, no exceptions.
Rescue Readers is available at all four AHS locations!
Rescue Readers orientation dates
Orientations are one hour and 45 minutes in length.
- Sunday, January 26, 2 p.m.
- Saturday, February 22, 10 a.m.
- Sunday, February 2, 11 a.m.
- Friday, February 14, 6 p.m.
- Sunday, February 9, 10 a.m.
- Sunday, February 23, 2 p.m.
Rescue Readers session dates
Reading sessions are one hour in length.
- Sunday, January 26, 11 a.m
- Sunday, February 9, 10 a.m.
- Saturday, February 22, 1 p.m.
- Friday, January 24, 6 p.m.
- Saturday, February 1, 1 p.m.
- Friday, February 7, 6 p.m.
- Sunday, February 9, 2 p.m.
- Saturday, February 15, 10 a.m.
- Sunday, February 16, 1 p.m.
- Sunday, January 26, 11 a.m.
- Saturday, February 29, 2 p.m.
- Sunday, February 23, 10 a.m.
Rescue Readers pass
Can’t get enough of Rescue Readers? Buy a season pass and attend as many sessions as you’d like, at any AHS location! Each $50 pass is valid for one season and is valued at more than $300.
There is a limit of one pass per participant per season.
- Spring: March, April, May
- Summer: June, July, August
- Fall: September, October, November
- Winter: December, January, February
- One free orientation session (if not already completed)
- One season pass (can be printed or used digitally)
- Calendar with the session dates, times, and locations for the season
- A Rescue Readers button!
Questions?
View our cancellation policy and FAQs.
If you additional questions about Rescue Readers, please contact our Humane Education team at 763-489-2220 or send us a message.