Our Programs

Helping Kids Canine Literacy Program

OC Animal Allies PAWS volunteers embrace new ways to help the Orange County Communities we proudly serve. Our award winning Canine Literacy Program provides visits to Schools, Public Libraries and Organizations looking to bring the magic of pet therapy reading programs to their location.

The goal of OC Animal Allies’ award-winning Canine Literacy Program is to help reduce the anxiety students feel when reading aloud, improve reading fluency and reading comprehension skills, build self-esteem and confidence and to simply make reading fun.

Studies have shown that petting a dog lowers both blood pressure and stress levels. This same response occurs in the reading session, helping children to reduce stress while reading aloud. Many students use one hand to pet the dog and the other hand to hold their book while reading to the dog who offers a calm, accepting and nonjudgmental ear. This unique experience is a wonderful way to motivate students and establishes marked and lifelong improvements in reading, speaking and comprehension.

For more information on our Canine Literacy program, please email us at info@ocanimalallies.org.

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My students have thoroughly enjoyed the reading program and the bond that they have since formed with both you and our furry friends. I have watched them become more fluent, passionate, and most importantly, more confident readers. Keep up the hard work! As my kiddos say, “Paw Power!”

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I have a student in my class who was a selective mute. On Bella’s second visit, this student finally whispered, “Bella!” After that, he became more comfortable reading and talking in class. I feel that special dog, Bella, and her owner were the main motivators for this student to speak.

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We feel so lucky to have been part of the Canine Literacy program. You have made us better readers!

Students in f-1

Canine Literacy Program at Public Libraries

OC Animal Allies PAWS volunteers are honored to help the Orange County Communities we proudly serve. Our award winning Canine Literacy Program has regular schedules to many Public Libraries within Orange County and is open to the public! It is a wonderful opportunity for families looking to introduce their children to the benefit of pet therapy literacy programs.

Our Canine Literacy Teams are available to visit with you and your children at selected Public Libraries in Orange County. In this public program, your child will have an opportunity to meet with and read to one of our specially trained “Canine Listeners”, helping to improve reading confidence and skills. This program is provided at no charge and tail wags and gentle kisses included at no additional cost!

Please see our Library Schedule below for locations and times. Some locations do take reservations for a turn to read with the dogs. Please call the library in advance to confirm schedules and availability.

For more information on our Canine Literacy program, please email us at info@ocanimalallies.org.