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Fridays, June 12 – August 28 · 4:30 – 7:00 PM

Summer 2026 Reading Program

Read to
Shelter Animals.

Spend an hour reading aloud to a cat or dog at the Lexington Humane Society. A one-of-a-kind experience for readers of all ages — and the animals love every word.

Choose Your Session View FAQ

All Service Days

Loading… Lexington Humane Society · 1600 Old Frankfort Pike, Lexington, KY

Please note: An adult chaperone must remain with the child at all times during the reading session.

Available Sessions

Choose Your Reading Slot

Read to a Cat — Early

Curl up with a shelter cat for a calm, cozy reading hour. Cats love being read to in a gentle voice — and the quiet time is great for them while they wait for their forever home.

4:30 – 5:30 PM Ages 4+ 🐱 Cats

Available Dates

Jul 17 Jul 24 Jul 31 Aug 7 Aug 14 Aug 21 Aug 28

Spot per
Date

Read to a Dog — Early

Spend an hour reading to one of the shelter dogs. Dogs are patient, attentive listeners — and practicing reading aloud to them is a confidence-building experience for kids of all reading levels.

4:30 – 5:30 PM Ages 4+ 🐶 Dogs

Available Dates

Jul 17 Jul 24 Jul 31 Aug 7 Aug 14 Aug 21 Aug 28

Spot per
Date

Read to a Cat — Evening

The evening session is perfect for families who want to make a weekly Friday ritual out of it. Wind down the week by reading to a shelter cat who appreciates every quiet moment.

6:00 – 7:00 PM Ages 4+ 🐱 Cats

Available Dates

Jul 17 Jul 24 Jul 31 Aug 7 Aug 14 Aug 21 Aug 28

Spot per
Date

Read to a Dog — Evening

A later option for evening families. Bring a favorite book and settle in with a shelter dog for an hour of reading, tail wags, and the kind of connection that reminds kids why stories matter.

6:00 – 7:00 PM Ages 4+ 🐶 Dogs

Available Dates

Jul 17 Jul 24 Jul 31 Aug 7 Aug 14 Aug 21 Aug 28

Spot per
Date

Summer Reading to Animals 2026 Volunteer Sign Up Form

Sign up below to volunteer for our current Kentucky Cares service opportunity. Spots are limited by role and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Full Name(Required)

First Last

Email(Required)

Phone Number(Required)

Who are you signing up?(Required)

Note: All children must be accompanied by an adult chaperone at all times.

Children Attending (Ages)

Please list each child’s age so we can plan a safe and appropriate experience. Children must be accompanied by an adult chaperone at all times.

Preferred Reading Date + Time Slot(Required)

Please select one available reading session. Each session has limited spots and will close once full.

Volunteer Acknowledgment(Required)

By checking this box, I acknowledge and agree that I am voluntarily participating in activities organized by Kentucky Cares. I understand that participation may involve certain risks, and I accept responsibility for myself and any minors under my supervision. I grant permission for Kentucky Cares and its partner organizations to use photos and/or videos of myself and any minors under my supervision for promotional and marketing purposes, unless otherwise stated in writing. I release Kentucky Cares, its directors, volunteers, partners, and participating organizations from liability to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Need Help?

Have questions about Summer Reading to Shelter Animals?

info@kentuckycares.org

Summer Reading to Animals

Read to Shelter Animals.

Choose Your Reading Slot

Sign Up.

Summer Reading to Animals 2026 Volunteer Sign Up Form

Read to
Shelter Animals.