The mission of Paws and Tales (PAWS) is to improve the literacy skills of children using a unique approach: Reading to a dog!

PAWS utilizes registered therapy dogs (and cats too) who have been trained and tested for health, safety, skills and temperament. These special animals volunteer with their owners, offering children an irresistible opportunity to improve their reading in a setting which has proven to be effective and fun. 

One key to the success of the experience is a shift away from the children viewing themselves as the target of yet another remedial program and toward seeing themselves as tutors and helpers for the dog. This is liberating and satisfying for the children and frees them from performance pressure. 

When a PAWS dog is listening, the child is excited to read and tell the dog the story. The dog’s handler supports the child’s efforts and helps build vocabulary, increase comprehension and as a result the child reads with greater fluency. 

PATS is pleased to offer PAWS training and information to volunteers for this rewarding program. If you are interested in participating in the training or if you have any questions please email us by selecting “Paw and Tales” on the Contact Us page. 

PAWS is based on the Reading Education Assistance Dogs program. READ began when Intermountain Therapy Animals started a pilot program at an elementary school in Salt Lake City, Utah. The pilot study revealed rapid increases in reading skills and comprehension as well as greater confidence and self-esteem, improved performance in homework completion, improved attendance and the development of a strong empathetic relationship the dog.