Volunteer Opportunities

SitStayRead Certified Reading Assistance Dogs create a positive social environment that invites young readers to experience a boost of joy in the middle of a long school day, relax and less worried about making mistakes. Regular dog visits create positive associations with reading and writing, and teachers report better attendance on “SitStayRead days”. Our dogs also provide important physical and mental health benefits we categorize as Social Emotional Learning assets.

For more information and resources about the power of dogs to assist with our mission and more, learn about our approach.

While we use many animal-assisted therapy techniques in our literacy programs, our dogs are not certified therapy dogs. If you’re looking for a great therapy dog organization, we recommend our friends at Canine Therapy Corps. Chicago Public School policy considers our dogs “Comfort Animals”.

All SitStayRead certified reading assistance dog candidates must be at least a year old, spayed/neutered, and up-to-date on vaccinations to be eligible for training.

SitStayRead was founded by three women who had aging Therapy Dogs. Therapy Dogs who are transitioning from other types of work, if mobile and able to handle stairs or small enough to be carried up stairs, are often ideal reading buddies in their “retirement”.

Plenty of other dogs, including some rescues who are stable and secure in dynamic settings, are excellent candidates. Sometimes it is all about timing and readiness, just like for humans! If not now, maybe in a year! Dog Team qualities we have seen as most successful over the past two decades include:

• Dog Teams with a human and a dog who both really love being around young kids.
• Dog Teams with a strong level of mutual trust. We might call it loyalty or love, too.
• Dog Teams who are keen, nonjudgemental observers and patient, active listeners. That said, we are fine with dogs who might need a little nap while in class.
• Dog Teams with clear communication ~ the dog exhibits excellent recall and responds obediently, quickly and consistently to clear commands from their handler; and the handler knows how to read the dog’s needs and any anxiety, and responds with calm, clear instruction to anyone else on how to behave to keep both dog and humans safe.
• A mellow, easy-going temperaments that are not easily phased are well-suited to this role. We are occasionally around for an unexpected fire drill for example!
• A commitment to inclusion and equity. We love and welcome all breeds of Certified Reading Assistance Dogs, including rescues who are suited to this work. Ongoing volunteer training helps equip all of our volunteers, including Dog Teams, with culturally competent communication with everyone we serve. SitStayRead staff prioritizes our role in making sure our Dog Teams and Book Buddies are supported from the moment they enter a school by preparing safe, comfortable areas for the dogs in the classroom; with a pre-session huddle; with pauses if needed; and a post-session debrief.

SitStayRead Dog Teams complete extensive training to prepare for their work inside classrooms, and then pass a test with our friends at Anything is Pawzible. Each certification test is $40, and is paid for by the volunteer applicant. SitStayRead is committed to supporting a diverse volunteer corps and will cover any cost that would prevent a prospective volunteer Dog Team from proceeding with training and testing, though so please inquire if this is a barrier.

Like all volunteers, Dog Team handlers must also successfully complete a background check which is paid for by SitStayRead.

New Dog Teams will shadow with veteran volunteer teams before attending a classroom on their own.