Read with Service Dogs of Virginia

R.E.A.D.is a program pioneered by Intermountain Therapy Animals in Salt Lake City, Utah and it is achieving amazing results in improving reading skills in young children.

In this program, children read to dogs who are tested for health, safety, and temperament and then trained to work alongside children in a therapeutic setting. Our service dogs in training are perfect for this role and we have launched our own program. Volunteer training is underway. If this sounds like something you would like to help with, contact us at info@servicedogsva.org.

Why dogs?

• Dogs are proven to relieve stress and lower blood pressure
• They are good listeners
• They transform the reading environment from fear to fun
• The focus moves from the child to the dog creating an atmosphere conducive to learning