humane society reading buddies

You can read to animals at the Toronto Humane Society

Things that are undeniably cute: little kids learning to read, and shelter animals looking for some love and company

Things that are even cuter: Little kids learning to read by reading to shelter animals looking for some love and company.

So yes, the Toronto Humane Society's Reading Buddies program is essentially the most adorable initiative ever.

The program aims to help shy, beginner readers improve their skills and confidence by reading to the least judgmental audience on planet earth: smiley doggos and fluffy kitties. 

The activity reduces stress for all involved, and gives shelter animals more interaction time with humans, which is invaluable to improving their social skills and increasing their odds of finding forever homes (especially with families).

Many shelters across North America have similar opportunities for citizens to drop in and spend some time swapping stories with the organizations' fluffy tenants.

Toronto class or family groups looking to participate can pre-book in for 40-minute reading slots at the Humane Society at 11 River Street.

Because who doesn't love a win-win situation that has the added benefit of providing a much-needed cuteness overload? 

Lead photo by

Toronto Humane Society


Latest Videos



Latest Videos


Join the conversation Load comments

Latest in City

New laws and rules coming to Ontario next month

Next phase of Gardiner Expressway work to begin and here's what to expect

Toronto will get more water taxis to relieve overcrowded island ferries

Huge earth-chewing titans will soon carve out Toronto's new $27B subway line

The most popular pet name in Toronto is the same for both cats and dogs

Key Toronto intersection is finally reopening after days-long emergency closure

Troublesome raccoon stalls TTC subway service in most Toronto incident ever

More Canadians are about to have an easier time filing their taxes