Story Tails Reading Program

Women's Animal Center created the Story Tails Reading Program as a way to encourage children to become involved with the organization’s work in a unique and mutually beneficial way. Created with the goal of enhancing literacy, Story Tails is a safe space for both children and shelter animals to learn and grow.

Story Tails enables children between kindergarten and eighth grade to visit Women's Animal Center and read aloud to current adoptable shelter pets. Reading aloud to shelter animals, without fear of judgement, enables children to practice necessary reading skills, while at the same time building confidence in their abilities. The soothing sound of the human voice, combined with human interaction and companionship, also works to reduce stress in the shelter animals, ultimately promoting their health and adoptability and thus saving lives.

Bring your own book from home, or choose from our library of animal-themed books. Children who are able to read at any level are encouraged to participate in this program. Adult guardians are welcome to stay with their children while they read or may wait in our welcome lobby.  A $10 participation fee per reading slot time is required. If interested in signing up, please fill out the program interest form below!

We are now offering offsite story tails programs!

If you have a group who is interested in the Story Tails program, we can bring a small animal from the shelter to you! Students will take turns reading to practice their skills and help socialize the animal. For details on group sizes and pricing, please fill out the interest form here.