Shelter Tales
Shelter Tales offers children the opportunity to earn community service hours by reading to shelter animals at our Lantos Center for Compassion. This enriching opportunity for both youth and adoptable animals is aimed at boosting humane education, improving reading skills, and soothing pets in the presence of children. Every child who participates in this program will get a punch card, after 5 sessions of reading to the animals they will receive a prize and certificate. There is a $10 fee every time your child attends. This program is offered every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month from 10:00am -11:00am.
Click here to register.
Shelter Tales For Private Groups
We are currently also offering Shelter Tales for private groups (school clubs, girl/boy scout troops, book clubs, volunteer groups, etc.) the second Wednesday of the month from 10am-11am. There is a minimum of 8 kids that can attend and a maximum of 12. There is a minimum of 1 chaperon and a maximum of 3 chaperons who can attend. There is a $100 fee.
To learn more or to register please click here.
For both Shelter Tales programs we have a library cart full of books for your use, but you are also welcome to bring your own. There are cushions to sit on while you read and a dog body language sheet for you to refer to while reading. Lastly, we supply you with treats to give to your furry reading buddy through the dog door holes.
Questions or concerns? Contact our Humane Educator at [email protected] or 650-340-7022 x369.
Shelter Tales FAQs
How do I sign up?
To sign your child up for Shelter Tales, please register here.
Is there a fee?
There is a $10 program fee per child for each session they attend. This fee covers the cost of program materials and ensures the program can continue to be offered. If you child wants to attend and you are unable to afford the fee, please reach out to our Humane Educator at [email protected]
What are the age requirements?
Shelter Tales is offered for children ages 8-12 years old.
When is the program offered?
Shelter Tales is currently offered the 1st and 3rd Saturday of every month from 10-11 am. This program takes places prior to shelter opening hours so the doors will be locked upon your arrival. The program leader will meet you at the lobby doors to let you inside to sign your child in.
What should my child bring to the program?
Your child is welcome to bring their own reading materials if they prefer, but reading materials are also provided. Your child should also bring any forms they need signed for community service hours. Please don’t bring food or your own pet to the program.
Where does the program take place?
Shelter Tales is hosted at our Lantos Center for Compassion, 1450 Rollins Road, Burlingame, CA 94010.
Are parents allowed to participate in the program or wait inside the shelter?
Since Shelter Tales takes place while the shelter is still closed, parents are not allowed in the shelter while the program is taking place. We kindly request that you wait in your vehicle, or drop your child off and pick them up when the program is over.
What does the program entail?
After students are signed in we play a short game that teaches the students how to understand and interpret the body language of cats and dogs. This educates students about how to recognize if and when an animal is having a negative reaction to their presence and in that circumstance, they would choose a different animal to read to. Next we go over program rules and learn about the animals that are available to be read to. Because not every animal is a good candidate to meet and interact with children, for liability purposes we are unable to allow program participants to touch animals during the program, please make your child aware of this.