Pet Literacy is a City of Long Beach, Animal Care Services program at the spcaLA P.D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village (Village) in Long Beach that  promotes humane treatment and the socialization of animals through reading out loud. 

OBJECTIVES INCLUDE:

• Improving the shelter environment
• Creating a connection between people and animals
• Promoting socialization and adoptability

HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?

The program is ongoing throughout the year during the days that the Village is open to the public.  More specifically, volunteers are encouraged to register with Animal Care Services for a date and time through animalcare@longbeach.gov but it is not required.  Volunteers are welcome to read any day that the Village is open, Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 AM – CLOSING.  The Village is closed Monday, Tuesday and holidays.  All readers are encouraged to sign-in at the front desk to receive credit for their volunteers hours and to receive information about the program. 

What are the ages of the children involved ?

Readers must be (15) years or older or they must be accompanied by an adult.  All students from Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) are eligible to receive service hours for the time that they read to the animals so long as they sign-in at the Admissions desk upon each visit.

How are volunteers chosen?

Readers are self-selected and may register as a volunteer anytime.

How can children volunteer for this project?

Working with their parents, guardians or teachers, children can volunteer for this project as a group by contacting animalcare@longbeach.gov, at least (1) week ahead of time to allow for staff to prepare for their visit.  Otherwise, all readers are welcome to visit the Village on the day of their availability; to check-in with the front desk; and to read to the animals.  Chairs donated by the Friends of Long Beach Animals are available in each of the cottages.

Can adults volunteer for this project?

Absolutely.  Anyone who is interested in practicing their reading or giving something back to the animals at the Village is welcome.  The project helps to provide calm in the kennels as well as to socialize animals who need regular contact with people.  Lastly, this program hopes to create a connection between people and animals (hopefully increasing opportunities for adoption)! http://www.spcaLA.org

Are there similar programs?

There is a program in Long Beach, called Beach Animals Reading with Kids (BARK) that brings dogs into schools to read with children who struggle with literacy.  More information about BARK available online: http://barkreadingdogs.googlepages.com/

Additionally, there is a program for volunteers to read out loud to animals in the Riverside County shelters.  This is designed to promote a humane shelter environment as well as to create an interaction between people and animals.