While they aren’t often thought of in a school setting, therapy dogs are becoming a more common sight in the classroom. In fact, over 60% of schools are currently participating in pet therapy programs, according to ManyPets.com. The goal of these programs is to introduce therapy dogs into the classroom as a way of supporting students’ mental health and reducing stress levels.
“I think that [therapy dogs] would help my mental health because I find dogs cute. They’re sweet, and they’re relaxing,” said freshman River McSpadden. “I think, especially with IB, it would be kind of peaceful to have a cute little dog around school.”
Many studies have been done on the benefits of having a therapy dog in the classroom. According to Open Colleges, therapy dogs specifically help ease social isolation and help teach students important social skills. They can even help ease anxiety by detecting signs of a panic attack or calming the student down through a distraction, like a lick on the face or a friendly paw.
Julie Helmer is a counselor at North Landing Elementary School. Molly, the resident therapy dog at NLES, accompanies Helmer around the school. Molly helps her determine which students need more attention and support. “Molly will sit or scoot closer to someone who is genuinely and deeply sad, scared, or anxious and stays by their side,” Helmer explained. “If I see her staying next to one student during class, I know I need to check on them.”
Therapy dogs are also great listeners. According to Helmer, some students might share more with a therapy dog than with a regular counselor. Therapy dogs have been proven to elevate the moods of those around them, too. “[Molly] brings so much joy to kids and adults,” said Helmer. “Adults who might be having a tough day or going through something will ask to spend time with her or to decompress after a long day.”
Therapy dogs have also raised some concerns. One major concern is the cost. Therapy dogs are very expensive, as training costs anywhere between $2,000 and $5,000, according to the Academy of Pet Careers. Some students may be allergic to dogs, which creates another risk. Keeping students safe is a top priority and those with allergies would be at risk with a dog in the classroom.
Therapy dogs also pose a liability to teachers and staff. Therapy dogs are still animals, and something could trigger them and make them snap, according to ProCare Therapy.
To avoid these risks, therapy dogs undergo intensive training. Helmer said that she and Molly completed 10 sessions of training before entering the classroom. They went to public places where there were lots of distractions, and to the dog park, where they trained with other dogs.
Helmer and Molly also had to take four tests in four different weeks. During those tests, they were both observed. Molly was observed for her obedience and interaction with others, and Helmer for her handling skills and ability to correct Molly.
To introduce a therapy dog program at PA, counselor Sharon Hill explained that “an administrator would need to get on board” for a dog to come on school grounds.
Overall, Helmer believes that a therapy dog is worth it for schools. “I would highly recommend that all schools have a therapy dog,” she said. “The benefits far outweigh the risks. Kids and adults develop a sweet love for [Molly] and truly look forward to seeing her.”
