Reading Buddies - Saturday December 14th 2:00-3:00pm

Reading Buddies: Saturday June 22nd 2:00-3:00pm

Do you have a youth that loves reading and wants to spend time with the animals? Join us for CHS Reading Buddies!

Reading Buddies at CHS is a place where children connect with animals. Youth will be given an opportunity to practice their reading skills to the adorable animals waiting to be adopted. Our goal is to promote literacy among youth while inspiring them to become animal welfare advocates by learning about the Calgary Humane Society’s mission and values. Reading out loud to animals can help build confidence and enthusiasm for beginning readers.

Calgary Humane Society Reading Buddies is a place where kids connect with animals. Our goal is to provide an opportunity for children to interact and learn about the animals that share our world. An enthusiastic staff of instructors and friendly animals give your child an enriching experience to practice reading.

Pre-Registration Frequently Asked Questions

When is Reading buddies?

Reading buddies runs from 2:00 - 3:00pm on select weekend days.

How old does my youth have to be?

We offer CHS Reading Buddies for youth age six and up!

Do parents need to stay?

Yes. The Humane Education Team will be responsible for welcoming participants and checking necessary documentation, as well as will provide circulating check-ins for the duration of the event. Each youth will need to be accompanied by one (1) adult, parent or guardian for the entire time.

Will your youth read inside of the animal's enclosure?

No, you will stay on the outside of the kennel door to read to the animals. This is for the animals safety and helps your youth focus on reading as well!

Do I need to bring a book?

Your youth is more than welcome to bring their favorite book to Reading Buddies, however we will have a variety of books available for your youth to choose from if they would like to read something different and new!

How many animals will my youth meet?

You and your youth will be assigned to one animal to read to for the duration of the event. This may be animals such as cats, bunnies, birds, reptiles, or small rodents.

What is the cost?

Calgary Humane reading buddies is free to attend. We encourage those who register to bring a physical or monetary donation (such as a toy, can of food, linens, treats, etc.) the day of the event.

If you would like to make a donation to our camp subsidy fund, you may include it with your registration. This fund provides a camp opportunity for children from lower income families.

My youth is really good with animals, why are they only allowed to see the animals instead of pet or hold them?

Most youth who come to Reading Buddies are very good with animals and passionate about caring for animals in the best possible way. We completely understand your child’s desire to hold an animal or to interact with a specific animal in the shelter. Unfortunately, for the safety of our Reading Buddies participants, all reading will be done through the glass or bars of the enclosure. We are not allowing the youth or their parent to interact directly with the animals.

If youth want to interact with the animals, we encourage you to explore Humane Education programming with them, such as clubs, birthday parties, and camps. Here, your youth will be given the opportunity animal interactions that will provide a quality experience for the participants while keeping our animal’s well-being in mind. You can browse our Humane Education programming here: https://www.calgaryhumane.ca/humane-education/

Cancellation Policy

Please contact the Humane Education Department if your child is registered in Reading Buddies but is unable to attend. We would like to find someone else to come read to our animals!

What is the best way to sign up for Reading Buddies?

Registrations are processed on a first come, first served basis online through Eventbrite. If Reading Buddy registration is full you may add your name to the waitlist, and will be contacted by e-mail if a spot on the waitlist becomes available.

Where does the program take place?

Camp takes place at the Calgary Humane Society – 4455 110 Ave SE, Calgary, Alberta

Parking information as well as drop off and pick up procedures will accompany confirmation of registration. We use both indoor classrooms and outdoor learning areas throughout our facility.

How is the Reading Buddies program organized?

Group size is limited to 6 children and their families to read to select adoptable animals. There will be a picture of a book on the animals enclosures to notifying you which animals are approved to read to. .

My youth is frightened of certain animals, will those be at Reading Buddies?

Our staff recognize that not all children are comfortable around all types of animals and at no point will any youth be forced to read to an animal they are uncomfortable with.

For more information about Humane Education programs and Reading Buddies, please email [email protected] or call 403-205-4455 ext 6544

Host or Publisher Calgary Humane Society