Help Shelter Animals by Reading to Them
Paws & Pages is a reading program designed to help shelter animals feel more comfortable around people by being read to aloud. These positive, enriching experiences with people and families that do not involve touching helps our animals feel more social and get adopted quicker!
After signing up for the program, participants must complete orientation with our Humane Educator before they can sign up for shifts to sit outside an animal's kennel and read to them. Fill out the interest form to get started! Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.
Details & Fees
Single Storytime: $5 per 30-minute shift for each reader
Book Buddies Monthly Membership: $15 per month for each reader, includes unlimited shifts for each month of membership.
Looking for a one-time group reading session for your school or organization? Get more information and fill out our Group Reading Session Request here!
Who can participate?
Who benefits from Paws & Pages?
Will I get to pet adoptable animals?
Why does reading to animals help them?
When are reading shifts available?
Do you provide books or do we bring our own?
How much time can we spend reading?
How do I get started?
Cancellation policy
Build a More Humane Future
Want to help bring DCHS Education programs to more community members? Make a donation that supports one-of-a-kind education experiences!
Education program donations may be used to provide scholarships, add to presentation materials, provide extra craft supplies, or fill other needs for our education programs. As a private, non-profit organization that is not affiliated with any national or governmental organizations, DCHS relies on support like yours!
Details
Education Opportunity Statement
At Dane County Humane Society, we know our education programs thrive from having diverse and inclusive participation. Diversity and inclusion are celebrated and embraced at Dane County Humane Society. We will not discriminate against or give preference to any person because of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, handicap or disability, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, arrest record, genetic information, veteran status or other class protected by applicable law. DCHS puts people first and we are happy to work with learners to remove barriers and put any reasonable accommodations into practice to the extent that it is safe to do so.
Allergy Information
DCHS utilizes peanut butter for animal enrichment throughout the shelter, and therefore is unable to provide a peanut-free facility. We are unable to make accommodations for children with severe peanut allergies. DCHS also uses various forms of hay throughout the shelter, and comes in contact with some of our education animals.
Inclement Weather Policy
If weather-related issues require DCHS to close, updates will be posted on our website, Instagram (@dchsgiveshelter), and Facebook (@GiveShelter) pages. Please check these platforms during severe winter conditions. If you need to transfer your visit to a new date, please email [email protected] for assistance.