Paws to Read & More Application

Location:

Stratford Animal Control, 225 Beacon Point Road, Stratford, CT 06615

Adults and children are invited to spend quiet, meaningful time with our shelter animals by reading, knitting, crocheting, coloring, or enjoying another calm seated activity beside them.

This program helps adults reduce stress, supports children in building reading confidence, and benefits shelter animals through socialization, companionship, and gentle human interaction. Dogs and cats find the rhythmic sound of a voice and a calm presence comforting and soothing, helping them relax and feel safe.

Last Saturday of every month
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

Bring a book, yarn, coloring supplies, or another quiet activity and share a peaceful hour with a shelter animal.

Ages 5+ years are welcome. Each minor 5-16 must be accompained by an adult.

Look for emails or text on Friday afternoons before the event asking if you would like to participate. Please respond yes and if you are bringing a minor. Adults must fill out a new application only if they are bringing a different minor or their personal information has changed. Otherwise, your infomation will be kept on file.

All personal information provided by participants will be kept private, used solely for program administration and safety purposes, and will not be shared, sold, or distributed to any third party except as required by law.

Youth Group Registration (Special dates for 10-15 children)

Name*

First NameLast Name

Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Phone Number*

Please enter a valid phone number.

Email*

example@example.com

Emergency Contact*

First NameLast Name

Emergency Contact Phone Number*

Please enter a valid phone number.

Relationship to Emergency Contact*

Are you bringing a minor?*

YesNo

Relationship to Minor

Minor Name

First NameLast Name

Minor Date of Birth

Minor Emergency Contact

First NameLast Name

Minor Emergency Contact Phone Number

Please enter a valid phone number.

Emergency Contact Relationship to Minor

Liability Waiver and Hold Harmless Agreement
I, the undersigned participant (or parent/legal guardian if the participant is a minor), acknowledge that participation in the Paws to Read & More Program involves interaction in close proximity to animals, including dogs and cats, at an animal control facility.

I understand and acknowledge that interaction with animals carries inherent risks, including but not limited to scratches, bites, allergies, or other injuries, even when animals are properly handled and supervised.

Assumption of Risk
I knowingly and voluntarily assume all risks, known and unknown, associated with participation in this program.

Release and Hold Harmless
In consideration for being permitted to participate, I hereby release, waive, discharge, and hold harmless:

The Town of Stratford
Stratford Animal Control
Stratford Animal Rescue Society (STARS)
All officers, employees, agents, volunteers, contractors, and representatives of the above
from any and all claims, demands, actions, causes of action, liabilities, damages, or expenses of any kind arising out of or related to participation in the Paws to Read & More Program, including but not limited to personal injury, property damage, or emotional distress, whether caused by negligence or otherwise.

Participant Conduct and Safety Rules
I understand and agree to the following safety requirements:

Participants must remain seated and calm during the program.
Participants shall not put fingers, hands, or objects into cages or enclosures.
Participants shall not touch, pet, or interact physically with any animal unless specifically directed to do so by a staff member.
All instructions given by staff must be followed at all times.
Failure to follow safety rules may result in immediate removal from the program.
Medical Responsibility
I certify that I (or my child) am physically and emotionally able to participate in this program and accept full responsibility for any medical costs that may arise as a result of participation.

Minors
If the participant is under 18 years of age, this waiver must be signed by a parent or legal guardian, who agrees to all terms on behalf of the minor.

I have read and fully understand this waiver and hold harmless agreement and sign it freely and voluntarily.

Signature