The Pocatello Animal Shelter has kicked off a new Children’s Story Time Program designed to introduce young residents to the world of animals through stories, hands-on activities, and crafts — with the first session already underway.
The inaugural session took place Tuesday, June 16, at 1 p.m. at the shelter located at 3100 Avenue of the Chiefs in Pocatello. The program is structured around two separate age groups, with sessions for children ages five and younger scheduled every Tuesday and sessions for kids ages six through ten held on Thursdays.
What the Program Offers
Each session is built around animal-themed stories paired with educational activities focused on responsible pet care. Children also take part in a craft project during each visit, giving them a creative outlet alongside the lesson. The broader goal of the program is to help young children develop compassion for animals while learning the basics of what it means to care for a pet.
The shelter structured the program to be accessible to families without advance planning — no pre-registration is required to attend. Parents and guardians are simply encouraged to bring their children and show up.
One important note for families: peanut butter is used in animal treats throughout the shelter. Parents of children with peanut allergies should be aware of that before attending.
A Community-Friendly Addition to Summer Programming
The new story time series offers a low-cost option for southeast Idaho families looking for educational summer activities with a local flavor. Mixing literacy with animal welfare awareness, it introduces children to shelter animals in an organized, age-appropriate setting that may also spark interest in future volunteerism or pet adoption within the family.
Pocatello has been active in community programming this summer. Residents may also want to explore other local opportunities, including the city’s participation in America250 time capsule collections, where community members are invited to submit items representing life in Pocatello today.
Families seeking more information about the Children’s Story Time Program can visit the city’s Animal Services page at pocatello.gov/150/Animal-Services or call the shelter directly at 208-234-6156.
What Comes Next
With the first Tuesday session now complete, the program continues on a weekly basis throughout the summer. Thursday sessions for the six-to-ten age group will begin soon, giving older elementary-age children their own opportunity to participate. Families are encouraged to check the city’s Animal Services page for any schedule updates or additional programming announcements as the summer progresses.