• Happy Tales

    Read to Rancho Coastal Humane Society's (RCHS) adoptable cats, rabbits, and dogs. This special program helps improve a child’s reading proficiency, fosters compassion for animals, and sooths our shelter animals one story at a time. Children sit outside the kennel or cage front and read aloud, which provides a safe interaction for both. We find it helps our animals get used to children, while boosting the reader’s confidence. For ages 6 and up accompanied by a parent/guardian.

  • Rules for Happy Tales Reading Program

    In order to ensure a mutually beneficial experience for animals and children, we created a set of program policies and procedures. By participating in the Happy Tales Reading Program, young readers agree to. . .  

     

    • Verbal interactions with the animals only – no physical contact. For your safety and theirs please do not touch the animals.
    • Keep the animals comfortable by being quiet, calm, and responsive to their needs and wishes.
    • Sign in and out each time you attend.
    • Wear closed-toed shoes, as well as your nametag at all times.
    • Children must be supervised by parent or guardian at all times.
    • All children that attend are considered readers and part of the program and must be registered in advanced. 
    • If you bring addtional children that are not registered and the program is full they will NOT be able to participate. 
    • No running or quick movements
    • Take turns reading to animals, spend at least 15 minutes with one animal before choosing a new one.
    • Find another animal to read to in the event a potential adopter is interested in the one currently being read to.
    • Dogs might bark but feel free to attempt to read to them to see if they will calm down.  If the dog doesn’t stop barking after a couple minutes, move to another dog.
    • Only one child per animal.  Please limit 2 children per cat room and 3 children in the rabbitat.  You are not allowed to enter rooms where the cats are loose or if a volunteer is interacting with them.  Animals must be in a cage/kennel.
    • Report any injury that may occur immediately to the education coordinator or shelter staff.

     I have read, understand, and agree to all the rules listed above.

  • Clear
  • Clear

  • PARENT/GUARDIAN CONSENT AND RELEASE

    My child and I are about to participate in the Happy Tales Reading Program at Rancho Coastal Humane Society (“RCHS”). I am doing so entirely at my own initiative, risk and responsibility.  I recognize that there are risks and health hazards directly and indirectly involved in participating in a program which involves exposure to animals, including cats, dogs, puppies and kittens, and conditions found in kennels and veterinary hospitals.  I understand and agree that RCHS is not liable for any injuries or damages sustained by any child attending the Happy Tales Reading Program and that I will be expected to accompany my child at all times while at the shelter.  I am the natural parent or legal guardian of the participant listed above, and I hereby give my permission for this child to participate in the Happy Tales Reading Program. 

    I release Rancho Coastal Humane Society (RCHS), its Board of Directors, staff and volunteers from any and all loss, damage, injury or liability arising from my child participating in the Happy Tales Reading Program at RCHS.

  • Clear

  • Please select the dates and times you’d like to attend for Happy Tales. Sessions are available in two time slots: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM. If the date is sold out be sure to check the other time slot as there may still be spaces available. 

    If you have any questions or need assistance with registration, feel free to contact our Education Department at education@sdpets.org before completing your registration.

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