Pet Literacy
Spend time with our shelter pets while enjoying a good book.The Pet Literacy Program invites community members to read aloud to dogs, cats, and rabbits at Long Beach Animal Care Services. Reading creates a calm, positive environment for shelter animals and helps them become more comfortable around people while they wait for their forever homes. It's also a fun and relaxing way for readers of all ages to enjoy a book.Who Can Participate?
- Open to everyone 15+ (under 15 must be with an adult)
- Great for students earning community service hours
No registration is required.
Program Hours
Wednesday - Friday 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday - Sunday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and City holidays.
How to Participate
It's easy!
- Enter through Animal Admissions.
- Stop by the front desk to receive your Pet Literacy badge. (Don't forget to return your Pet Literacy badge to the front desk before you leave!)
- Bring your favorite book and a chair.
- Don't have a book? No problem! We have books available for you to borrow.
- Find a designated reading area and enjoy reading to one of our shelter animals.
Why Read to Shelter Animals?
Reading aloud provides enrichment for shelter pets by helping them relax and become more comfortable around people. Your quiet presence can make a positive difference while they wait to find a loving home.
For readers, it's a great opportunity to:
- Practice reading in a welcoming environment.
- Build confidence and reading skills.
- Spend quality time with animals.
- Support shelter pets in a meaningful way.
FAQ
Enter through the Animal Admissions entrance and stop by the front desk. A staff member will provide you with a Pet Literacy badge and answer any questions before you begin.
Please pick up your name tags at the front counter through the Animal Amissions entrace.
All readers are required to wear name tags to participate in the program. It helps staff differentiate readers from potential adopters.
You're welcome to bring your favorite book to read. Don't have one? No problem! We have books available for you to borrow during your visit.
You may read to the animals in the designated reading areas near the dog kennels, cat rooms, or Bunny Barn. Please remain outside the animal enclosures and follow all staff instructions.
No, you may not touch the animals. Animal handling is limited to trained volunteers only. The volunteer program is available for adults eighteen [18] and older.
All students can receive service hours when they read to the animals. Any staff member can sign off on community service hours. If you forget your form, you may email the scanned Service Hours Form to LBACSvolunteer@longbeach.gov to receive a digital signature and credit for volunteer hours.
Be sure to check in with staff when you arrive and before you leave to have your hours verified.
The Pet Literacy Program is self-guided and does not include a shelter tour. If you're interested in learning more about Long Beach Animal Care Services, please email lbacscommunications@longbeach.gov for more information.
Useful Links
Contact Us:
Phone: 562-570-7387
Wednesday - Friday10:00 AM - 5:30 PMSaturday - Sunday10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Adoptions end 30 minutes before closing
Closed Monday,Tuesday & Holidays
24/7 Emergency Services*
(Sick & Injured animals only)
7700 E Spring St, Long Beach, CA 90815
(FOLLOW PAW PRINTS ON THE PAVEMENT AND ENTER THROUGH ANIMAL ADMISSIONS)
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