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 can be completed in-person or online. In-person orientations take place at our Golden Valley shelter. Each in-person orientation is one hour in length and includes time to read. The cost is $10 per reader. Virtual orientation sessions cost $5 per reader.
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 (adults don't pay unless they plan to be readers, too; and readers of all ages are welcome!).
To sign up for orientations or regular reading sessions, use the registration button below.
In-person sessions (held in Golden Valley):
- Saturday, January 27 | 1:30-2:30 PM
- Tuesday, February 6 | 6-7 PM
- Saturday, February 24 | 1:30-2:30 PM
- Tuesday, March 5 | 6-7 PM
- Sunday, March 10 | 1:30-2:30 PM
- Saturday, March 30 | 1:30-2:30 PM
Virtual sessions (link will be emailed to registered participants):
- Tuesday, January 23 | 6-7 PM
- Tuesday, February 20 | 6-7 PM
- Tuesday, March 19 | 6-7 PM
Reading session details
Each non-orientation reading session is one hour in length and costs $10 per session in-person. 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. Adults need not register themselves unless they plan to read as well.
- Saturday, January 20 | 1-2 PM, 2:30-3:30 PM
- Saturday, January 27 | 9-10 AM, 10:30-11:30 AM, 12-1 PM
- Saturday, February 10 | 9-10 AM, 10:30-11:30 AM
- Sunday, February 11 | 9-10 AM, 10:30-11:30 AM, 12-1 PM
- Saturday, February 17 | 1-2 PM, 2:30-3:30 PM
- Saturday, February 24 | 9-10 AM, 10:30-11:30 AM, 12-1 PM
- Saturday, March 9 | 9-10 AM, 10:30-11:30 AM
- Sunday, March 10 | 9-10 AM, 10:30-11:30 AM, 12-1 PM
- Saturday, March 16 | 1-2 PM, 2:30-3:30 PM
Saturday, March 30 | 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, January 23 | 6-7 PM
- Saturday, January 27 | 10:30-11:30 AM
- Saturday, February 24 | 10:30-11:30 AM
- Tuesday, February 27 | 6-7 PM
- Tuesday, March 26 | 6-7 PM
- Saturday, March 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, January 22 | 6-7 PM
- Wednesday, February 7 | 6-7 PM
- Monday, February 26 | 6-7 PM
- Wednesday, March 6 | 6-7 PM
- Monday, March 18 | 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.