strengthening the human-animal bond, one page at a time
Created by first grade teacher and animal lover Sarah Hanson, Humane Indiana’s Paws and Pages program supports literacy development in young readers while providing comfort and socialization for Shelter pets awaiting their forever homes. Reading to animals offers a calm, nonjudgmental environment for students that encourages confidence and fluency. It’s a beautiful way for children to practice their skills while making a meaningful connection with a furry friend.
Established in 2025, Paws and Pages invites teachers and other educational leaders to partner with our organization to provide enrichment for Shelter pets and students. Humane Indiana provides resources to share with students’ families to prepare them for what to expect when reading to a Shelter animal, and how to make the most of their experience together. The Paws and Pages program was designed for first grade students, but can be customized to any age group!
Additional Skill Building
As well as promoting literacy and fluency, Paws and Pages offers the opportunity for students to work on their persuasive writing skills with the program’s Essay Templates. After reading to their chosen animal and learning more about them, students may create persuasive essays describing why potential adopters should consider adopting their pet.
CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE PERSUASIVE ESSAY EXAMPLES FROM BIBICH ELEMENTARY’S FIRST GRADE CLASS
Ready to get started?
Please fill out the form below to submit a Paws and Pages request.
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Paws and Pages request form (above) must be submitted prior to hosting a program.
Program dates must be approved by Shelter Director. Humane Indiana will do our best to accommodate scheduling preferences.
Humane Indiana will provide Staff or Volunteers on-site to help guide families through the kennels, but a school representative must be present throughout the entire program.
Students must be accompanied by a parent/guardian over 18 at all times.
All parents/guardians must sign a Humane Indiana liability waiver on behalf of the child/themselves.
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Humane Indiana will provide a check-in area for program attendees.
Humane Indiana does not provide reading material, blankets, or other supplies for this program. Teachers/school contacts are highly encouraged to bring backup materials in the event a student arrives without a book or blanket/towel.
Humane Indiana strongly encourages no more than 3 students per time slot to prevent overcrowding in the kennel areas.
Food and beverages are not allowed in the kennel areas.
If the program includes a meal or snack break, Humane Indiana does not provide refrigeration, however sack lunches may be stored in the check-in area and tables/chairs may be requested for meals.
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A word from program creator sarah hanson
“Watching my students light up as they read to Shelter animals reminded me that literacy is not just about decoding words, it’s about connection, empathy, and purpose. Paws and Pages gave our young learners a reason to read, a heart to read to, and a safe space to grow their reading confidence. Every school should experience the magic of this partnership, it transforms readers into compassionate citizens who understand the power of service and community.”