Salt Lake County Animal Services
SALT LAKE CITY — Salt Lake County Animal Services says they have relaunched and expanded their “Book Buddies” program where children can read to and soothe Utah shelter pets.
The volunteer program started in 2016 was designed to help children improve their reading skills while helping shelter animals learn to socialize.
This year, Salt Lake County Animal Services said the “Book Buddies” program had to be changed due to the ongoing pandemic but they will be able to continue it virtually.
The virtual reading sessions will happen twice a week, one on Monday from 3:30 to 5:00 pm and the other on Friday from 2:00 to 3:30 pm. During those windows, parents can sign up their children as readers for 10-minute sessions.
“We want children to have an opportunity to interact with pets at the shelter,” they said, indicating both the kids and the animals can benefit. On the one hand, they said dogs and cats find the rhythmic sounds of voices soothing, and on the other hand, it gives kids an opportunity to practice their reading skills.
Those interested can sign up for a reading session on their website . After registering a zoom link will be emailed to parents.
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