Clarinda Primary School
Integrating Therapy Dogs into Student Wellbeing
Clarinda Primary School has welcomed therapy dogs Sampson and Honey. They have become loved members of the school community. Students read to them, and fun to play with a...
Therapy Dogs in Schools
Creating Calmer, Connected School Communities
Therapy dogs provide comfort and support for student wellbeing in schools
Paws for Support, specialise in helping Australian schools introduce therapy dog programs. Our certified Therapy Dog Program improves student wellbeing, and builds stronger school communities. Our approach to animal-assisted therapy creates calmer learning environments.
We provide expert training, certification, and guidance that align with school policies. Education Departments across Australia recognise our program. We tailor it for both mainstream and special education settings. We make introducing a therapy dog or formalising your program simple and supportive.
Why Choose Paws For Support
Why Choose a Therapy Dog Program for Your School?
Our therapy dog program empowers educators to create calmer classrooms. It helps reduce anxiety and strengthen connections. The program works well for students with autism, trauma backgrounds, and special needs. We can also formalise comfort dogs in schools and educational settings.
Who is this program for?
- Principals and school leaders
- Teachers and wellbeing coordinators
- Inclusion and education support staff
- Parents seeking emotional support (Parents often look for emotional support initiatives in schools.)
- Special and trauma-informed schools
Already working with a school therapy dog? Many schools choose us to formalise programs .We offer re-certification and program updates. Helping your dog stay compliant and effective as a recognised therapy animal.
Prefer to check first?
How Do We Help Schools Place Therapy Dogs?
We provide comprehensive support for the implementation of therapy dogs in educational settings.
Our step-by-step approach includes:
- Dog suitability assessments. Free sessions to check if your dog is right for a school environment.
- Customised therapy dog training – tailored programs for your staff and therapy dog handlers.
- Best practices – Follow best practices to introduce animals in schools.
- Legal and ethical guidance – covering insurance, recognition, and dog welfare.
- Behaviour and obedience training – addressing common challenges.
- Supervision and interaction management – ensuring safe student–dog interactions.
Integration into school life – therapy dog interventions for literacy, wellbeing, and classroom activities.
Find Out What's Included
What’s Included in Our Therapy Dogs in Schools Certification Program?
Our all-in-one package gives your school everything it needs. It covers all the essentials for safe delivery. It also ensures your program delivers results.
- Pre-assessment (no cost)
- Training & certification sessions (in-person or online)
- Three-stage evaluation: obedience, temperament, school fit
- Risk and implementation templates (letters, policies)
- Official certificate & ID badge (valid 2 years)
- Optional school-branded bandanas & vests
Already have a wellbeing dog? We support re-certification and ongoing program improvement.
How Does the Certification Process Work?
Step 1: Book Your Session
Quick online application and suitability check.
Step 2: Attend Training & Evaluation
In-person or virtual sessions with qualified trainers. Assessment of temperament, obedience, and fit for the school setting.
Start Anytime
Step 3: Receive Certification
Collect your ID badge. Use your toolkit to integrate therapy dogs into school life.
Support student wellbeing with confidence.
Already Certified?
We offer re-certification and refresher programs
Accredited Schools We Work With
Primary Schools:
Black Rock State School, Brighton Beach Primary, Cheltenham Primary School, Clarinda Primary School, East Bentleigh Primary, St. Justins (Wheelers Hill), Chelsea Primary School, Crib Point Primary School, Lang Warrin Primary School, St. Louis Aspendale, Mentone Grammar (ELC-Year 12), Mentone Girls Grammar, Nunawading Christian College (ELC)
Secondary Schools:
Aquinas College, McKinnon Secondary College, Mordialloc Secondary College, Mount Eliza Secondary College, Salesian College, Swinburne Secondary College (Prahran), Kilbreda Girls College, Bialik College
Special Needs Schools:
Tombolo (Special Needs), Springvale Park Special Development School
Success Stories & Accredited Schools
Many leading schools across Victoria and Australia now use our wellbeing dog program. Students benefit with reduced anxiety, improved focus, and calm learning environments.
Accredited Schools and Success Stories
Implementing a therapy dog program in Schools.
Feedback shows real benefits. Students thrive through the use of therapy dogs. Schools report stronger student wellbeing. Students gain better emotional regulation. They also find comfort in the classroom. Schools see the wide benefits of therapy dogs as part of holistic education.
Clearing Up Myths About Facility and therapy dog Training
A school may begin with a pre-assessment, then move into structured training. This step helps ensure the presence of therapy dogs is safe and positive.
The impact of therapy dogs is clear. They calm classrooms, lower stress, and support better focus. Research links dogs and education to stronger literacy results when students read to dogs.
Yes. A common barrier to implementing therapy is scheduling time and staff. Another challenge is policy. Schools must follow each policy and advisory library guideline to meet safety standards.
Staff supervise every session to make sure interactions with therapy dogs remain safe. This includes setting up dog-free zones and creating rules for controlled encounters with dogs.
Yes. Each successful therapy dog works through trained therapy routines. These methods cover obedience, calm behaviour, and safe contact with the therapy dog.
6. How do you address a child’s fear of dogs?
We manage a child’s fear of dogs by allowing slow introductions and clear rules. A therapy dog within the program always works under handler guidance. Their focus is to keep every student safe.
7. Can we use the program in elementary or secondary schools?
Yes. Elementary classrooms and secondary schools both see results. Programs in education settings work at every level. Schools see Improvements in reading support to emotional care.
8. How does animal assisted education fit into your model?
We build our program on animal assisted education. It includes activities where therapy dogs to support literacy, wellbeing, and social skills. Schools see how therapy dogs can enhance learning.
9. What role do assistance dogs play compared to therapy?
Assistance dogs serve an individual with specific needs, while therapy dogs work with groups. Implementing a therapy dog focuses on group support rather than one-to-one service roles.
10. Where can a school may find local programs?
A school may find programs near their community. Many programs for schools now run online. Therapy dogs visit campuses to help with incorporating a therapy dog into daily routines.
Bowie my now therapy dog attends psychotherapy sessions along side me... Thank you Alan, your support has been excellent.
Alan, as a gifted trainer, has provided the support and guidance that have enabled me and my dog to learn together.
I just got my 7 year old golden retriever, Archie, accredited as a Therapy Dog, and we are beyond impressed...
Happy Handlers
We would love to hear your
Paws For Support Story
Paws For Support Story
Ready to Introduce a Therapy Dog to Your School?
Partner with Paws for Support for expert training, recognised certification, and ongoing guidance. Schools create safe and caring environments. Students thrive through the use of therapy dogs.
