• Paws to Read & More for Youth Groups Request Form

    Organized youth groups are welcome. (i.e., schools, scouting organizations, after-school programs, homeschool collectives, and community youth clubs etc.)

  • Paws to Read & More – Youth Groups

    Location:

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

    Organized youth groups are invited to spend quiet, meaningful time with our shelter animals by reading, knitting, crocheting, coloring, or participating in another calm, seated activity beside them.

    Minimum and maximum attendance: 

    • 10-15 Children
    • 2-5 Adults

    This program is designed to:

    • Support children in building reading confidence
    • Encourage empathy, patience, and kindness
    • Provide comfort, socialization, and gentle human interaction for shelter animals

    Dogs and cats find the rhythmic sound of a voice and a calm presence soothing, helping them relax and feel safe. Small animals also benefit from peaceful, supervised interaction.

    Who May Participate

    Organized youth groups (i.e., schools, scout troops, church groups, homeschool groups, after-school programs, youth clubs, and similar organizations)

    Ages 5 and up. All minors must be supervised by an adult group leader (18+)

    What to Bring

    • Books
    • Yarn or crochet supplies
    • Coloring materials
    • Other quiet, seated activities

     Program Time: 20 Minutes to settle. 40 Minutes for activity.

    Privacy Notice

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

  • Below, please request your first three dates and times. A volunteer will get back to you to confirm a time or send you other options. If you do not hear from anybody please email secretary@stratfordanimalrescue.org.

  • INDEMNIFICATION & HOLD HARMLESS AGREEMENT
    Paws to Read & More Program

    This Indemnification and Hold Harmless Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into by the undersigned Youth Group Leader (“Participant”), who is eighteen (18) years of age or older, in connection with participation in the Paws to Read & More program.

    Acknowledgment of Program
    I acknowledge that the Paws to Read & More program involves interaction with animals housed at the Stratford Animal Control Facility and participation by minors under my supervision. I understand that interaction with animals, including dogs, cats, and small animals, involves inherent risks, including but not limited to scratches, bites, allergic reactions, slips, falls, or other injuries.

    Responsibility for Minors
    By signing this Agreement, I affirm that:

    I am 18 years of age or older
    I am the authorized leader, supervisor, or chaperone for the youth group attending the program
    I accept full responsibility for the supervision, conduct, and safety of all minors in my care during the program
    I will ensure that all children follow shelter rules, staff instructions, and program guidelines at all times
    Assumption of Risk
    I knowingly and voluntarily assume all risks, known and unknown, associated with my participation and the participation of the minors under my supervision in the Paws to Read & More program.

    Indemnification & Hold Harmless
    I agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the following entities and individuals from any and all claims, demands, actions, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, or expenses (including attorney’s fees) arising out of or related to participation in the program:

    Stratford Animal Rescue Society (STARS)
    STARS volunteers
    STARS officers, directors, and representatives
    Staff of the Stratford Animal Control Facility
    The Town of Stratford, Connecticut
    All agents, employees, and representatives of the above
    This includes, but is not limited to, claims arising from:

    Injury, illness, or death of any participant or minor
    Damage to personal property
    Actions or behavior of minors under my supervision
    Interaction with animals or facility conditions
    Release of Liability
    I hereby release and forever discharge the above-listed entities and individuals from any and all liability, claims, or demands of any kind arising from participation in the Paws to Read & More program.

    Medical Responsibility
    I understand that STARS and the Town of Stratford do not provide medical care or insurance coverage for participants. I accept responsibility for obtaining any necessary medical treatment for myself or any minor in my care.

    Compliance
    I agree to comply with all posted rules, verbal instructions, and policies of the Stratford Animal Control Facility and STARS. Failure to comply may result in removal from the program.

    Governing Law
    This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Connecticut.

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