Reading Buddies 101
Want to help shelter animals feel more comfortable and relaxed? Join us for a one-time orientation, Reading Buddies 101, and gain access to read to our animals anytime during open hours! Your participation not only benefits you, but it also provides our animals with soothing companionship and support.
All Reading Buddies must complete the orientation session to participate. In Reading Buddies 101, you’ll learn about dog and cat body language, helping you better understand how our animals are feeling. We’ll cover responsibilities, check-in/out procedures, and everything you need to know to be an amazing Reading Buddy. After completing training, you’ll be welcome to read to the animals whenever we’re open!
Please note: Each participant only needs to attend one Reading Buddies 101 session.
- Individual Adults: 30-minute training session
- Families: 60-minute training session
The one-time training fee is $20 per Reading Buddy, and for children, this includes one adult chaperone. The attending adult must stay with the child during all reading sessions. Additional adults and children may join a child’s session for an extra $10 each.
Every session helps create a comforting environment for our animals while offering a unique and heartwarming experience for you. Join us to make a difference in their day!
Register for Reading Buddies 101
Financial aid is available for participation in the Reading Buddies 101 training. Click here to apply for a Reading Buddies 101 Scholarship.
Become a Reading Buddy! Ongoing training opportunities are available. Click the appropriate button below to view upcoming dates, times, and register.
Register as a Family:
Take a peek at our Reading Buddies Program as filmed by one of our participants:
FAQ:
“I want to enroll my son in Reading Buddies. Sometimes, his Grandpa will accompany him, other times it will be me. What should I do?“
Both you and Grandpa must attend Reading Buddies 101. All adults accompanying children need to attend the orientation training. Register your son, yourself, and Grandpa ($20 for Reading Buddy plus $10 for an additional adult, totaling $30). All three must attend the training.
“How often is the training required?“
Just once! Every individual coming to HSC to read to the animals must have completed Reading Buddies 101. If additional children in the family want to participate later, the adult chaperone must accompany them, even if it’s the adult’s second time attending an orientation. Children require adult supervision for both orientation and reading sessions.
“What is your refund policy?“
Refunds are available up to 10 days before the program date for any cancellations. Within 10 days of the program, we cannot offer refunds or change your registration to another date. It will be considered a donation to HSC.
For other inquiries or concerns, email education@humanecharlotte.org.