Can schools have therapy dogs?

Research has shown therapy dogs can reduce stress and provide a sense of connection in difficult situations. Given the impact therapy dogs can have on student well-being, schools and universities are increasingly adopting therapy dog programs as an inexpensive way of providing social and emotional support for students.

How are therapy dogs used in schools?

Teachers and administrators have witnessed the effects therapy dogs have on students and themselves. The benefits of having therapy dogs in the classroom include: Physical benefits. Interaction with therapy dogs has been shown to reduce blood pressure, provide physical stimulation and assist with pain management.

Why schools should have therapy dogs?

Therapy dogs not only have a positive effect on emotional well-being, they have an influence on cognitive development. Interacting with therapy dogs improves students’ reading skills, stimulates memory and problem-solving skills, and even optimizes executive-functioning skills.

What qualifies a dog to be a therapy dog?

A certified therapy dog must be friendly, patient, confident, gentle, and at ease in all situations. Therapy dogs must enjoy human contact and be content to be petted, cuddled, and handled, sometimes clumsily, by unfamiliar people and to enjoy that contact.

How can I get a therapy dog for anxiety?

To apply for a psychiatric service dog, you will need a recommendation from a medical doctor or licensed mental health professional. About 18 percent of American adults experience some form of mental health disorder. Overall, about 4 percent of American adults experience a severe or debilitating mental health disorder.

Can therapy dogs go anywhere?

It is important to note that a Therapy Dog has no rights to enter an animal restricted area (grocery store, public transportation, etc), and are only allowed where they are invited to visit. Therapy Dogs are not protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

When to use a therapy dog in school?

C. Professional Therapy Dogs may be used in the school setting on a regular basis when the following documentation is in place: 1. Administrative Approval a) The use of the animal or animals must be approved by the administrator(s) of the building(s) in which the Therapy Dog’s handler works and the Professional Therapy Dog Oversight Committee.

Can a teacher bring a dog to school?

A veteran teacher and administrator makes the case for having a therapy dog in elementary school. When you walk down a hall in my school, you may encounter our therapy dog, Boomer.

What kind of dog is a therapy dog?

Professional School Therapy Dogs certified with their owners/handlers as Certified Assistance Dog Teams provide emotional and physical support in the educational setting. These highly trained dogs model good behavior, tolerance, and acceptance.

Are there therapy dogs at Reed Intermediate School?

After months of observing these therapy dogs in action, schools in Newtown such as Reed Intermediate School now have integrated therapy dogs as part of their ongoing school life. Following this example, other schools in the region are also in the process of introducing therapy dogs as part of their regular services for students.