Why a Therapy Dog?
Moments of connection between children and therapy dogs in schools
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.
Frequently asked questions
My dog is really friendly, can I take it to school?
Yes, potentially! But you can't implement a successful Therapy Dog program or engage in Animal Assisted Intervention without proper planning and certification.
It is important for the safety and wellbeing of your beloved animal, as well as the students and staff at your school, that you engage in appropriate planning and training before you commence working with your dog in a school, university or other facility.
After all you wouldn't be ready to be an Accountant just because you had a calculator, similarly, you won't be ready to facilitate a successful Therapy Dog program in a school just because you have a dog. Let us help you prepare so you, your dog and your school can enjoy the experience!
Can't we do whatever we want because the industry is unregulated?
Fortunately the industry continues to grow and develop, and we now have access to National and International standards and guidelines to inform our planning.
Unfortunately pleading ignorance is not a great legal defence if something goes wrong. There is really no excuse for not meeting your students' duty of care. If you choose to increase the risk to your students by having a dog at school, you are also responsible for putting appropriate planning in place to reduce and/or mitigate these risks.
We are here to help you navigate these guidelines and set up a successful arrangement at your school.
We want a Therapy Dog at our school, where can we buy one?
Therapy dogs aren't simply 'bought'. They are usually the family pet of a dedicated (school) staff member who has recognised the benefit of using animals to support student coping and engagement, and they believe their dog has a suitable temperament. This person needs to be committed to undergoing relevant training, assessment and ongoing re-assessment to maintain certification.
Therapy dogs need to have an appropriate temperament. There are services who can support you to determine if your dog would be suitable to train with you as a Therapy team.
There are many reasons why schools should not purchase dogs as 'school property'. Please contact to discuss this should your school be considering this arrangement.
My Principal doesn't understand why I want to bring my dog to school, can you help?
If you are keen to embark on the journey of introducing Animal Assisted Education into your school, you may need support to convince others.
As consultants we can support your discussions with your school leadership team, by alleviating any concerns, answering questions they may have and supporting their understanding of the benefits, as well as the careful planning and strategies which can be implemented to minimise risk and introduce a successful and safe Therapy Dog program to your school.
Why can't I implement a program myself?
When it comes to the wellbeing of children and animals it is always best we avoid unnecessary mistakes or mishaps when introducing a new Therapy Dog program.
Learn from those who have gone before you and have navigated the complexities of introducing an animal to a school environment. Have your questions answered and have success from the start!
We would like you to feel fully supported and confident in your new role within the school whilst ensuring that your school community and animal are happy and comfortable as you navigate the new world of Animal Assisted Intervention in schools.
Do you offer support with Assistance, Service or Companion dogs?
Although I may be able to assist your school to navigate requests for Assistance, Service or Companion dogs for students at your school, this is not our core business. We are focused on supporting the planning and implementation of Therapy Dog programs in Australian schools.
Please get in contact and we will endeavour to assist you directly or point you in the right direction for further guidance.
