BARK Beach Animals Reading with Kids (BARK) couples two of the most lovable causes in the world: dogs and children. BARK also promotes humane education and kindness.

BARK is a non-profit that works to improve reading skills and self-confidence by having children read aloud to therapy dogs. BARK is an all-volunteer program that encourages children to increase their reading skills and self-confidence by reading aloud to certified therapy dogs. BARK dogs visit most libraries once per month and work off an eight-week program in elementary schools. Students are sel

ected to read aloud to a therapy dog once per week. After the program, not only are the children more confident, but this approach has been statistically proven to be effective in increasing reading skills. As of January 2022, BARK dogs have had more than 10,000 reading visits and given away more than 22,000 new books to children. BARK is happy to provide one-time or once/monthly visits to locations when dogs are available. In addition, BARK dogs can visit senior living facilities, nursing homes.VA Hospitals, adult disabled facilities, and hospice patients. BARK is a trademarked name and cannot be used without permission from BARK Therapy Dogs.

BARK dogs, including Shigure, helped to celebrate Dr. Seuss's Read Across America week.
03/29/2026

BARK dogs, including Shigure, helped to celebrate Dr. Seuss's Read Across America week.

Rocket, Fletcher, and Holiday listened to readers at El Dorado Library.  Come join us 4th Tuesdays at 4:30 pm.
03/25/2026

Rocket, Fletcher, and Holiday listened to readers at El Dorado Library. Come join us 4th Tuesdays at 4:30 pm.

Jojo, along with Mary and Felix, listened to readers at Playa del Rey Library.
03/23/2026

Jojo, along with Mary and Felix, listened to readers at Playa del Rey Library.

Gus and Lilikoi joined in the St.  Patrick's Day fun while listening to readers in Huntington Beach and Torrance, respec...
03/18/2026

Gus and Lilikoi joined in the St. Patrick's Day fun while listening to readers in Huntington Beach and Torrance, respectively.

Congratulations to Kendra with Gallagher, Jill with Daisy, and Nancy with Alli who all passed the BARK evaluation and wi...
03/04/2026

Congratulations to Kendra with Gallagher, Jill with Daisy, and Nancy with Alli who all passed the BARK evaluation and will soon be visiting schools and libraries to help kids learn to read.

Sometimes, we come across a wonderful book with a great story and the best illustrations. In Knitting for Dogs by Laurel...
02/12/2026

Sometimes, we come across a wonderful book with a great story and the best illustrations. In Knitting for Dogs by Laurel Molk, you can clearly tell she knows dogs well. BARK loves this book.

Gracie is preparing for Valentine's Day while listening to readers along with Paisley at Rossmoor Library today.  BARK w...
02/12/2026

Gracie is preparing for Valentine's Day while listening to readers along with Paisley at Rossmoor Library today. BARK will be back in two weeks.

BARK has been visiting with the students of Mr. Rappaport aka Mr. Hartley for about 15 years.  Wherever he teaches, we w...
01/21/2026

BARK has been visiting with the students of Mr. Rappaport aka Mr. Hartley for about 15 years. Wherever he teaches, we will go. He's a great teacher who really connects with his students. Again this year, Scout taught the students about BARK and how to care for pets. Each received a book about interesting vet cases.

Buena Park library is so good at marketing the BARK program that we now send four dogs: Annabelle (Newfoundland), Falkor...
01/20/2026

Buena Park library is so good at marketing the BARK program that we now send four dogs: Annabelle (Newfoundland), Falkor (Rottweiler), Rocket (Golden Retriever), and Gracie (Goldendoodle).

Do students look forward to their weekly reading visits with BARK dogs?  This one planned the night before to wear her s...
01/13/2026

Do students look forward to their weekly reading visits with BARK dogs? This one planned the night before to wear her special vest for Ziggy.

Merry Christmas from Charlie!!
12/25/2025

Merry Christmas from Charlie!!

Best wishes from Holiday (Black Labrador) and Eli (Golden Retriever).
12/25/2025

Best wishes from Holiday (Black Labrador) and Eli (Golden Retriever).

Address

P. O. Box 91478
Long Beach, CA
90809

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