Therapy Dogs in Education

Are you confused about the types of dogs in schools?

Are you trying to navigate the difference between a Therapy Dog and a School Support Dog? Or an Education Support Dog? A Library Dog, Emotional Support Dog or even a Student Wellbeing Dog?

That's simple.... they are all essentially the same!

You may have seen a range of terms or references used for dogs in schools, but what does it all mean?

If we look at international research, the most consistent definition for a dog who.... provides affection, comfort and support to all kinds of people alongside their handler.... is a Therapy Dog!

The same intentions exist for the many dogs incorporated into schools, to improve student wellbeing, coping and provide comfort and support under the facilitation of the handler, thus regardless of title, this intention aligns with the definition of a Therapy Dog.

Why is consistency in terminology important?

The language we use matters! How we reference the dogs we work alongside, indicate the 'interaction rules' of those dogs and we must be clear with our community to reduce confusion. Schools play an important role in this too!

Learn more about terminology here

Why introduce a therapy dog?

The Science

Therapy dogs are increasingly being introduced into schools and workplaces, with growing evidence showing the potential for a range of physical, psychological, and educational benefits.

Health & Wellbeing Benefits:

Lower stress and anxiety levels
Improved cardiovascular health
Enhanced immune system function
Better pain management
Reduced cortisol (stress hormone) levels (Animals, MDPI, 2022)

Educational Outcomes:

Improved exam performance in students after therapy dog interactions
Increased focus and concentration due to calming effects
More settled classroom environments (University of South Australia, 2023)

Therapeutic Benefits:

Strengthens therapeutic relationships with school counsellors and psychologists
Encourages client engagement and comfort
Expediting therapeutic progress and improving outcomes

School & Workplace Impact:

Provides a calming, non-judgemental presence for students and staff
Offers a simple, effective strategy to reduce daily stress
Promotes emotional regulation and mental wellbeing (Black Dog Institute support)

The introduction of a well-planned therapy dog program can be a low-cost, high-impact intervention which can boost wellbeing, learning, and emotional resilience in busy school and workplace environments.

Learn more

What We Offer

Consultancy for Schools

If your school is considering implementing a therapy dog program we are here to guide you through the process to ensure a safe and successful program. We recognise that no two schools are the same and individualised planning is essential. Our planning approach caters for your facilities, student and staff needs and your vision for your Therapy Dog Program.

Our consultants will work with you and your school leadership team to develop a plan specific to the needs and context of your school. We are here to alleviate your concerns, troubleshoot any challenges and implement a successful and safe experience with therapy dogs.

Find out more

Workshops and Training

Consultancy for Schools

We are here to help you develop knowledge about the world of therapy dogs to help you and your school team, to make informed decisions from the beginning.

By sharing our experience, industry knowledge, latest research and evidence based practice, we can support your school to set up a successful therapy dog arrangement which adds value to your school community.

Invite your school leadership, or interested teachers and share in a fun day of learning with us!

Available Workshops

About Us - Meet the Team

Amy - Director and Lead Consultant

I am a registered Psychologist, Teacher and qualified Dog Trainer (Cert IV Animal Behaviour and Training). I am also a trained and experienced Animal Assisted Therapist, having worked alongside my therapy dogs for over 8 years within school environments. In this time I have discovered what works and what doesn't, and investigated national and international research and literature to best understand this field.

I am currently completing a Doctor of Philosophy in the field of Animal Assisted Education with a specific interest in the school contexts. This research is being conducted in partnership with one of the top Universities in Australia.

I draw on my extensive knowledge and experience to support the successful implementation of safe and evidence-based Therapy Dog Programs. I am passionate about educating school staff on the best practice approaches to incorporating a therapy dog within schools to ensure a positive experience, whilst minimising risks to students and staff, and optimising animal welfare.

My Qualifications

Psychologist - AHPRA
Teacher - Queensland College of Teachers
Dog Trainer (Certificate IV Animal Behaviour and Training)
Doctor of Philosophy (Estimated completion, 2026)
National Chair - Animal Assisted Education Committee (ATL ltd)

Therapy Dogs - Wilbur and Lucy

I have been formally trained and accredited to work alongside my two therapy dogs, Wilbur and Lucy. Wilbur is a Spoodle (Cocker Spaniel x Poodle) and Lucy is a Cavoodle (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel x Poodle). We successfully completed Therapy Dog training in 2015 and undergo reassessment each year. As a team, we have enjoyed working within schools, office spaces and visiting nursing homes.

Both dogs bring very different strengths to their work and have attracted a large fan club of students, staff and families through their work.

Wilbur enjoys playing with bouncy balls, balloons and he has a fascination with befriending cats. Lucy loves her soft toys and likes to carry these around with her. She likes to sleep-in each morning and is always the last to get out of bed.

Contact Us

We will help you anywhere in Australia.

Regardless of which state of Australia you are in, we are here to help you access the benefits of therapy dogs in your school or workplace.

We are happy to connect in person, via telephone or through video conferencing such as Zoom.

Therapy Dogs in Education

Australia

Please email us to arrange a time to discuss your unique circumstances. Email: info@therapydogsineducation.com.au