The Humane Society of Tampa Bay gives children who love animals the opportunity to spend time with shelter pets while improving their reading skills, free of charge.
Through Paws for Literacy, children read aloud to homeless animals who enjoy hearing stories and seeing the pictures.
Reading to animals helps build confidence, strengthens literacy skills, and creates a meaningful connection.
Open to students in grades 1 -6
Books, a reading stool, and a one-on-one reading time with a shelter animal in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Each reading session lasts 1 hour.
By appointment only.
Advanced registration required.
Children read aloud to shelter pets in a colm, comfortable space.
Our animals love story time and the attention it brings.
Reading to animals helps kids feel proud and more confident readers.
Every reader receives a certificate for their hard work!
Boost Reading Skills: Encourages fluency, expression, and comprehension.
Build Confidence: A non-judgmental listener helps reduce reading anxiety.
Strengthens Empathy: Kids learn compassion and respect for animals.
Creates Lasting Memories: A positive experience kids look forward to and remember.
One-on-One Time: Each child reads to one of our friendly shelter animals.
Safe & Supportive Environment: Sessions take place in a quiet room with HSTB staff present.
Fun & Encouraging: Animals enjoy the stories and kids gain confidence with every visit.
Recognition: Readers earn a certificate to celebrate their achievement.
Check Availability: Visit our website to view upcoming Paws for Literacy dates.
Register Online: Complete the registration form to reserve your 30-minute reading spot.
Prepare for Your Visit: Arrive a few minutes early and get ready to read your favorite book!
Enjoy Your Session: Read, connect, and have fun with a shelter animal.
All participants must be registered in advance. Walk-ins cannot be accommodated.
“We celebrated my son’s 7th birthday at the Humane Society and it was the best decision we made. The kids were completely in awe of the animals and talked about it for weeks after.”
— Jessica R, Birthday Parent
More Humane Education Programs
Pets & Tots
For little learners and their grown-ups.
Paw Literacy
Build confidence through stories & shelter pets.
Pet Partner Club
For animal lovers ready to build leadership skills.
School Field Trips
Engage students through a hands-on experience.
Say hello to some of our adoptable pets and learn their stories.