Through our Puppy Dog Tales Reading (PDT) Program, which began in 2007, we promote literacy and a love of reading in at-risk youth populations. Reading to an adult may seem overwhelming, so participants read to therapy dogs. Reading becomes a sustained, individual activity that children eagerly anticipate.
Volunteer training for PDT demands more than standard AAT training, but the rewards are phenomenal. Teams are placed at a school or library for six-week to year-long sessions and work with four to six children for 10-20 minutes each. Volunteers report that children who could not read through a sentence in the first meeting quickly warm up to their pets, feeling safe and supported enough to meet their reading challenges.
We are currently seeking new PDT teams to fill the increasing demand for our services. All PDT teams go through training in the general program in addition to more specialized training.
The SF SPCA is an independent non-profit supported entirely by our community
and support our programs.
SF SPCA – Mission Campus
Appointments: 8am – 6pm
Emergency Services: 8am – 5pm
201 Alabama Street
San Francisco CA 94103
415.554.3000
SF SPCA – Pacific Heights Campus
Appointments: 8am – 6pm
Temporary Emergency Services Hours: 7am – 10pm
2343 Fillmore Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
415.554.3000
