How Our School Therapy Dog Programme Works
A clear, proven pathway from initial enquiry to successful integration. We guide you through every stage with expert support, comprehensive documentation, and strategies that deliver real results.
Book Your Free Discovery Call
Your Complete Roadmap to School Therapy Dog Success
Bringing a therapy dog to your school is a significant decision that requires careful planning, professional training, and ongoing support. Our four-part process ensures a safe, successful and welfare-first journey from the very beginning.
Termly Visits
Regular check-ins across the school year
Welfare-First
The dog's wellbeing is reviewed at every stage
Ongoing Support
Included throughout your journey
Part One
Initial Assessment & Temperament Test
The first step in our School Therapy Dog training programme is a gentle but important Initial Assessment and Temperament Test, designed to make sure each dog is the right fit for the rewarding work ahead. We look at their confidence, sociability, resilience and overall wellbeing to ensure they will enjoy the role just as much as the children will enjoy them.
If a dog is accepted onto the programme, schools receive a full assessment report along with a tailored School Dog Policy and Risk Assessment to help them start their journey safely and confidently. It's all about setting both the dog and the school up for success from the very beginning, in a way that feels supportive, thoughtful and positive.
Part Two
Termly Assessments — Training Towards Foundation Behaviours
The second stage of our training programme involves termly visits, where we check in on the dog's progress and continue building the foundation behaviours they'll need to become a confident, reliable School Therapy Dog. These sessions are relaxed and supportive, giving us the chance to celebrate what's going well and gently guide any areas that need a little more practice.
We also take time at each visit to review the dog's health and welfare, making sure they're happy, comfortable and thriving in their role. Alongside this, handlers receive ongoing training and guidance, helping them feel equipped, reassured and ready to support their dog every step of the way.
Part Three
Assessment
The third stage is the exciting final step — the full assessment of the dog's foundation behaviours and the handler's skills. This is where we make sure both dog and handler feel confident, capable and ready for real school life.
If they pass this stage, they officially become a trained School Therapy Dog team, recognised for their hard work, dedication and wonderful partnership. It's a proud moment that celebrates everything they've achieved together and marks the beginning of their journey supporting children in a truly meaningful way.
Part Four
Intervention Training & Ongoing Support
The fourth stage focuses on Intervention Training and ongoing support, helping schools make the very best use of their School Therapy Dog. We work closely with handlers to develop meaningful, child-centred interventions that build confidence, support emotional wellbeing and create positive moments throughout the school day.
Alongside this, we provide continued guidance, ideas and problem-solving support to ensure both the dog and the school feel fully equipped and inspired. It's all about helping the team grow, thrive and make a lasting difference within the school community.
What's Included in Every Programme
Everything you need for a successful school therapy dog programme, delivered with professionalism and care.
Professional Dog Training
Comprehensive positive reinforcement training tailored to school environments with certified trainers.
DBS Checked Handlers
All handlers are fully vetted with enhanced DBS checks and safeguarding training.
Full Insurance Coverage
Complete public liability insurance and professional indemnity cover for peace of mind.
Dog Welfare Focus
Ongoing welfare assessments ensuring your therapy dog remains happy, healthy, and effective.
Flexible Scheduling
Programmes designed around your school calendar with sessions that fit your timetable.
Progress Reports
Regular detailed reports tracking outcomes, student engagement, and programme impact.
Staff Training
Comprehensive handler training and whole-staff awareness sessions included.
Ongoing Support
Continuous access to expert advice, termly reviews, and refresher training.
Programme Options
Choose the programme that fits your school's needs and current situation.
New School Dog Project
Complete end-to-end programme for schools starting fresh with a new therapy dog. Includes breed selection guidance, puppy training, handler development, and full integration support.
- Breed & temperament consultation
- Complete training programme
- Full documentation suite
- 8-week integration plan
Existing Dog Enhancement
Transform your current school dog into a certified therapy dog. We assess, train, and certify dogs already in your school environment.
- Comprehensive assessment
- Gap analysis & training
- Certification pathway
- Policy development
Handler Training
Intensive training for staff members who will work with your therapy dog. Build confidence, skills, and understanding.
- 2-day intensive course
- Practical handling skills
- Body language reading
- Activity planning
Ongoing Support
Continuous partnership for established programmes. Termly reviews, refresher training, and expert guidance whenever you need it.
- Termly on-site visits
- Welfare assessments
- Refresher sessions
- Resource updates
The Difference a School Therapy Dog Makes
The benefits schools tell us they see when a well-trained, happy dog becomes part of the school community.
Calmer, Happier Pupils
Children feel more settled, supported and ready to learn.
Growing Confidence
Gentle encouragement helps build self-esteem and resilience.
Engaged Learning
A relaxed, non-judgemental friend for reading and classroom activities.
Stronger Connections
Positive interactions that support empathy, behaviour and wellbeing.
Safety at Every Stage
We ensure comprehensive safety and compliance throughout your journey.
Risk Management
- •Detailed risk assessments at each stage
- •Hazard identification and mitigation
- •Emergency procedure development
- •Incident reporting protocols
- •Regular safety reviews
Safeguarding
- •Full DBS checks for all trainers
- •Child protection policy compliance
- •Safe supervision guidelines
- •Appropriate boundary setting
- •Staff training and awareness
Dog Welfare
- •Stress monitoring and prevention
- •Rest and recovery protocols
- •Enrichment and wellbeing
- •Veterinary health requirements
- •Ethical training standards
Health & Safety
- •Hygiene protocols and procedures
- •Allergy management strategies
- •Phobia accommodation plans
- •First aid provisions
- •Disease prevention measures
Common Process Questions
Ready to Start Your School Dog Journey?
Every successful school therapy dog programme starts with a conversation. Book your free discovery call today to explore how we can support your school.
What happens next:
- 1Book your free 30-minute discovery call
- 2We'll assess your needs and recommend the right programme
- 3Receive a detailed proposal and quote
- 4Begin your journey with expert support every step