Reading Buddies

Children learn empathy and compassion towards animals while developing their reading skills.

NCAL Reading Buddies program was created to help our shelter dogs and cats become more adoptable, while fostering empathy and compassion in children. Reading to the animals helps to bring them comfort, and reduces the anxiety they may experience from being in a shelter environment.

Children interested in becoming a Reading Buddy must register for and attend one training session with an adult.
Participants will then be given a schedule of available reading hours and can come read to the animals for as little or as long as they would like during these designated hours.
Reading times are available 5 days a week.
Preregistration required for trainings.
Limited space available.

Training & Application

If you are interested in becoming a Reading Buddy at North Country Animal League, please submit an application and we’ll reach out to you as soon as space becomes available. Trainings will be scheduled by appointment. Upon completion of a training session, participants will be given a schedule of available reading times, which are available 5 days per week.

APPLY NOW

Special Notes:

One parent/guardian is required to attend the training and must accompany the child each time they come to read.
Closed-toed, rubber-soled shoes are required to protect your feet and give better traction when walking through the kennels.
You are welcome to bring a favorite book, or select one from our library!