Get Involved

Read to A Shelter Pet

The mission of the Read to a Shelter Pet Program is to enrich the lives of cats awaiting adoption, while also providing opportunities for youth to engage in animal welfare and practice literacy skills in a judgment-free environment.

Location: Pieloch Pet Adoption Center 6500 S 70th St

Times available: Tues-Friday 6-6:30pm, 6:30-7pm

QUALIFICATIONS FOR READ TO A SHELTER PET VOLUNTEERS

Junior volunteers must be between 7-12 years of age

Parent or guardian is required to have an active email address

Junior volunteer & parent/guardian teams must successfully pass the knowledge quiz following completion of online training

All Junior Volunteers must be accompanied by their parent/legal guardian at all times

The adult to child ratio for Junior Volunteers must be 1:1 (one adult to one child)

The parent/legal guardian must meet the Essential Capabilities of Volunteers requirements

The parent/legal guardian cannot have a documented history of neglect or abuse towards animals

RESPONSIBILITIES OF READ TO A SHELTER PET VOLUNTEERS 

The parent/legal guardian is responsible for completing all required training with the Junior Volunteer

The parent/legal guardian is responsible for following all policies and procedures, and ensuring the Junior Volunteer is following the rules set forth by the organization

All volunteer onboarding, and paperwork, must be completed and signed by the parent/legal guardian of the Junior Volunteer.

The parent/legal guardian must successfully complete a Volunteer Release of Liability

Junior volunteer & parent/guardian teams must show compassion and respect to all animals, staff, volunteers, and members of the public during their shifts

Click the link below to learn how to become a Read to A Shelter Pet volunteer team!
  • Get started volunteering!

    Step 1: View the Read to A Shelter Pet virtual orientation video as a team

    This virtual orientation will cover the history and mission of Capital Humane Society as well as the programs and services we offer to the community.   You'll learn about important information regarding the purpose of our "Read To Shelter Pet" program and the impact it can have for the kitties and kiddos of our community!  We cover information on how to sign up for shifts, where to find supplies during your time at the shelter, and all the "do's and don'ts" to ensure everyone stays safe while enriching the lives of the cats in our care.  The presentation lasts approximately 36 minutes and can be completed all at once or in shorter sessions.

     

    Step 2:View the virtual tour video

    This video will give you a walk through tour of the areas of Pieloch Pet Adoption Center that are relevant to your volunteer work.  This video will also be available to you as a scannable QR code at the front desk to help orient you on your first day.  This video lasts approximately 3 minutes.

    Step 3:Complete the RTSP Quiz & waiver

    This quiz & info form is designed to double check your understanding of the responsibilities and expectations of Read to A Shelter Pet volunteers as well as other important information presented in the virtual orientation.  The form also captures important contact information so that we can enter you into our volunteer database ensuring that you receive important updates regarding program & organizational changes.  Form submissions are checked and responded to by staff daily Tuesday-Friday.  Submissions from Saturday-Monday will be responded to on Tuesdays.

    Step 3: Sign up for shifts and start reading!

    Once your form has been reviewed by staff, you will receive a follow up email with a link to the Read To A Shelter Pet calendar.  Using this calendar you will be able to see the available shifts and sign up whenever works with your schedule!  There is no minimum time commitment, however, if you are inactive for longer than 6 months you will need to complete the RTSP quiz again before you are able to sign up for more shifts.

FAQ