The Humane Society of Ventura County invites all animals lovers to join us at the Shelter on Saturday, March 23rd for a wonderful morning of reading to our cats and dogs. This event is open to children and their families 5 years old and up. We have a variety of books, generously provided by the local nonprofit Ojai Valley Library Friends and Foundation (OVLFF) for children to read out loud to the animals in our care.

Studies have shown that reading to animals builds confidence in children and helps to enhance their reading abilities as well as having a calming effect on the animals. To encourage children to read, even more, the OVLFF’s bookshop Twice-Sold Tales, has provided gift certificates for one free book of their choice to be handed out to all of our young participants. The OVLFF is a volunteer organization dedicated to instilling a lifelong love of books in people of all ages by building community support for and the development and continuation of programs with the public libraries of the Ojai Valley.

During the event, we will have four reading circles where children will be able to directly interact with our dogs and puppies. Our cat and kitten rooms will also be open for reading for children and families who enjoy spending time with our shelter cats. Families are more than welcome to bring their own favorite books as well as borrowing any of those we have on hand. If your child prefers making up imaginative stories on the spot, we encourage that too!

Here at the Shelter, we are always looking for ways to help relieve the stress the animals in our care may experience by creating new programs and activities that also allows for our community to become more involved in caring for animals in need. Reading to the dogs and cats helps the animals relax and being socialized around a variety of people and age groups increases their chances of finding the perfect home. These opportunities also give our youngest supporters the opportunity to be invested in their community by participating at a young age in the care of the animals who rely on us for their health and wellbeing. Programs such as Reading to Dogs helps teach compassion for all living things starting at an early age.

In order to ensure all participants, as well as our animals, have a positive experience we ask that guests please RSVP on our event pages either on Facebook or our website if possible. All participants will be asked to follow the safety guidelines provided by staff and volunteers. All children 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

A special thank you to Kris Humphries of the OVLFF for reaching out to us and providing many wonderful books for this very special event! For any questions, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator Amanda Volden at (805)646-6505 x110 or by email at [email protected].

Pictured: Kris Humphries from the Ojai Valley Library Friends and Foundation stopped by to drop off books for this Saturday's event at the HSVC.