Reading Buddies For Families

The Reading Buddies program is an initiative that pairs new readers with shelter animals who are "all ears" to listen to them practice their reading skills. This program is mutually beneficial for both children and shelter animals. Children are able to build confidence in their reading skills by practicing with a non-judgemental "reading buddy", and the animals receive more human interaction which improves their sociability, and therefore increases their chances of being adopted!

Reading sessions are approximately 40 minutes in length. Every session includes: an introduction to the Toronto Humane Society, a brief tutorial on animal behaviour, and 30 minutes of reading time with a shelter animal.

 Please note this program is not drop-in. Families must be registered ahead of time in order to participate. A parent or guardian must also remain with the reader during the program.

We have a small selection of books available, or children are welcome to bring their own. Once the reading session is over, families are welcome to walk around the shelter and visit all of the adoptable animals!