Creating a Successful School Therapy Dog Program: Administration Guide

Implementing a therapy dog program in your school requires careful planning, clear policies, and systematic implementation. At School Dogs LLC, we’ve helped dozens of educational institutions develop successful programs that enhance student learning and wellbeing while addressing practical concerns. This comprehensive guide walks administrators through the essential steps for creating an effective, sustainable therapy dog program.

Policy Development Considerations

A strong foundation of clear policies is essential for program success and risk management.

Board Policy Integration

Begin by establishing appropriate board-level policies:

Policy Categories to Address:

Definition and scope of the therapy dog program
Distinction between therapy dogs and service animals
Alignment with district mission and student achievement goals
Approval processes for program implementation
Evaluation requirements and metrics
Funding parameters and resource allocation
Continuation/discontinuation criteria

Key Policy Elements:

Clear statement of purpose connecting to educational outcomes
Definition of therapy dogs distinct from other working animals
Delineation of responsibilities (district, school, handler)
Reference to applicable laws and regulations
Approval authority and process
Required documentation and certifications
Evaluation and reporting requirements

Implementation Recommendations:

Review similar policies from other districts
Consult with district legal counsel
Include input from risk management
Consider insurance provider requirements
Align with existing wellness and intervention policies
Ensure ADA compliance regarding service animal distinctions

School-Level Procedural Guidelines

Develop detailed procedures that translate board policy into practical implementation:

Handler Requirements:

Certification standards for therapy dogs and handlers
Required training and ongoing education
Documentation and record-keeping expectations
Supervision and management responsibilities
Communication protocols with staff and administration
Emergency procedure responsibilities

Program Structure:

Therapy dog scheduling parameters
Appropriate intervention types
Location restrictions or limitations
Documentation of sessions and outcomes
Handler absence contingency plans
Program evaluation processes

Health and Safety Protocols:

Hygiene standards for therapy dogs
Vaccination and health screening requirements
Allergy management procedures
Sanitation and cleaning protocols
Bite prevention and management
Illness guidelines for therapy dogs

Student Interaction Policies

Clear guidelines for student participation protect all involved:

Participation Guidelines:

Parental permission requirements
Student selection criteria for various interventions
Opt-out processes for students or staff
Documentation of student interactions
Confidentiality considerations
Photo and media release requirements

Student Training:

Age-appropriate education about therapy dog interaction
Clear behavioral expectations around therapy dogs
Understanding of therapy dog signals and body language
Appropriate reporting of concerns or issues
Distinction between therapy dogs and pet dogs

Addressing Liability Concerns and Insurance Requirements

Proactive risk management is crucial for program sustainability.

Insurance Considerations

Work closely with your district’s insurance providers:

Coverage Types to Address:

General liability extensions for therapy dog programs
Professional liability for handlers
Specific therapy dog rider policies
Worker’s compensation considerations
Property damage coverage
Incident response coverage

Documentation Requirements:

Therapy dog certification from recognized organization
Handler training verification
Health certificates from veterinarians
Vaccination records
Behavioral assessment documentation
Incident reporting procedures

Risk Reduction Strategies:

Regular program review by risk management
Incident response protocols
Documentation of all interactions
Regular handler and dog recertification
Appropriate liability waivers
Clear incident reporting procedures

Legal Considerations

Address potential legal concerns proactively:

Areas to Address:

Distinction between therapy dogs and service animals in all documentation
Americans with Disabilities Act compliance
Equal access considerations for students with allergies or phobias
Religious or cultural exemption processes
FERPA considerations for program documentation
Protocol for handling complaints or concerns

Documentation Recommendations:

Consultation record with district legal counsel
Written procedures for addressing concerns
Clear appeal process for decisions
Documentation of all accommodations made
Records of handler training and dog certification
Incident documentation protocols

Creating Supportive Environments for Handler and Dog

The success of any therapy dog program depends on properly supporting the handler-dog team.

Physical Space Requirements

Designate appropriate spaces for the therapy dog program:

Essential Spaces:

Designated relief area for the therapy dog
Rest/break space away from student traffic
Appropriate intervention locations with proper flooring
Storage for therapy dog supplies
Cleaning supply access
Hand washing/sanitizing stations

Environmental Considerations:

Temperature control for dog comfort and safety
Adequate ventilation in all working areas
Noise level management
Secure boundaries to prevent escapes
Emergency exit access
Allergy management zones

Equipment Needs:

Water stations for the therapy dog
Appropriate mats or beds for resting
Sanitation supplies for cleaning
Secure storage for therapy items
Appropriate restraint systems (leashes, etc.)
First aid kit for dogs and humans

Handler Support Systems

Provide essential resources for handlers:

Professional Support:

Integration with relevant staff teams
Administrative backup for concerns
Clear chain of command for issues
Substitute coverage protocols
Professional development opportunities
Program evaluation assistance

Practical Resources:

Schedule accommodation for dog care needs
Storage for supplies and equipment
Documentation systems and support
Communication tools for program updates
Budget for program supplies
Professional learning community connections

Wellness Considerations:

Recognition of additional responsibilities
Prevention of handler/dog burnout
Regular check-ins on program sustainability
Collaborative problem-solving processes
Celebration of program successes
Work/life balance support

Communication Strategies for Stakeholders

Effective communication is crucial for program acceptance and success.

Staff Communication Plan

Prepare all staff members for the therapy dog program:

Initial Information:

Purpose and goals of the therapy dog program
Research basis for implementation
Staff roles and responsibilities
Protocols for requesting therapy dog interventions
Procedures for addressing concerns
Introduction to the therapy dog and handler

Ongoing Communication:

Regular updates on program outcomes
Celebration of successes and milestones
Procedure updates or modifications
Professional development opportunities
Collaborative planning sessions
Program evaluation results

Staff Input Channels:

Regular feedback mechanisms
Procedure for suggesting program enhancements
Clear process for addressing concerns
Collaborative problem-solving protocols
Input on program expansion opportunities
Evaluation participation

Parent Communication Strategy

Develop a comprehensive approach to inform families:

Program Introduction:

Initial announcement with program rationale
Research basis for therapy dog interventions
Introduction of the therapy dog and handler
Permission process explanation
Allergy and fear accommodation procedures
Invitation for questions or concerns

Regular Updates:

Newsletter features on program activities
Social media highlights (with appropriate permissions)
Outcome data shared in parent-friendly formats
Therapy dog program events or milestones
Opportunities for parent observation or participation
Success stories and testimonials

Concern Management:

Clear contact information for questions
Transparent process for addressing concerns
Alternative options for reluctant families
Cultural sensitivity considerations
Religious accommodation processes
Regular satisfaction assessment

Student Education

Prepare students for appropriate interaction:

Initial Introduction:

Age-appropriate introduction to the therapy dog
Clear explanation of the dog’s role
Distinction between therapy dogs and pets
Appropriate interaction guidelines
Understanding dog body language
Procedures for participating in programs

Ongoing Education:

Regular reminders of interaction protocols
Updates on therapy dog activities
Celebration of program successes
Opportunities for appropriate feedback
Age-appropriate education about animal welfare
Connection to relevant curriculum areas

Implementation Timeline and Key Milestones

Successful implementation follows a carefully planned sequence.

Planning Phase (3-6 months before implementation)

Initial Research and Proposal:

Identify program champion(s)
Research therapy dog benefits and models
Draft initial program proposal
Conduct preliminary stakeholder discussions
Identify potential implementation challenges
Develop initial budget projections

Policy Development:

Draft board policies
Develop implementation procedures
Create communication templates
Establish evaluation metrics
Design documentation systems
Develop training materials

Resource Allocation:

Budget development
Space identification and preparation
Equipment procurement
Insurance review and adjustments
Staff allocation planning
Handler/dog team selection criteria

Preparation Phase (1-3 months before implementation)

Staff Preparation:

Comprehensive staff training
Question and answer sessions
Role clarification
Documentation system training
Intervention request process establishment
Concern management procedure review

Community Communication:

Parent notification
Permission form distribution
Media communication planning
Website and social media updates
School board presentation
Community partner outreach

Final Logistics:

Physical space preparation
Signage installation
Schedule finalization
Documentation system implementation
Emergency procedure review
Final insurance verification

Launch Phase (First month of implementation)

Controlled Introduction:

Limited initial implementation
Scheduled observations for staff
Detailed documentation of all sessions
Daily debriefing with key stakeholders
Immediate address of any concerns
Celebration of early successes

Communication Focus:

Regular updates to all stakeholders
Transparent sharing of initial challenges
Highlighting of positive outcomes
Photography/video documentation (with permission)
Addressing questions or misconceptions
Reinforcement of procedures

Adjustment Period:

Daily review of procedures
Quick modification of ineffective elements
Additional training as needed
Expansion of successful components
Documentation of lessons learned
Support for handler and dog team

Expansion Phase (2-6 months after launch)

Program Growth:

Gradual increase in services
Expansion to additional student groups
Integration with more school initiatives
Development of specialized interventions
Enhanced documentation of outcomes
Refinement of procedures based on experience

Data Collection Focus:

Implementation of comprehensive evaluation
Collection of outcome data
Stakeholder feedback gathering
Comparison to baseline measures
Documentation of case studies
Identification of program strengths and challenges

Community Integration:

Wider community awareness activities
Parent involvement opportunities
Media coverage (with appropriate permissions)
Integration with school events
Connection to curriculum where appropriate
Development of program advocates

Sustainability Phase (6+ months after launch)

Program Evaluation:

Comprehensive review of outcomes
Assessment of implementation fidelity
Stakeholder satisfaction measurement
Cost-benefit analysis
Identification of future enhancements
Documentation of program impact

Refinement Process:

Procedure updates based on experience
Enhanced training development
Expansion of successful elements
Modification of challenging components
Documentation system improvements
Handler support enhancement

Long-term Planning:

Succession planning for handlers/dogs
Budget sustainability planning
Program expansion considerations
Integration with strategic initiatives
Development of model for other schools
Research participation opportunities

Case Study: Successful Implementation

Maple Creek Elementary School Implementation

Maple Creek Elementary successfully implemented a therapy dog program that illustrates best practices in action:

Planning Highlights:

Six-month planning process involving all stakeholders
Comprehensive board policy developed with legal counsel
Clear distinction between therapy program and service animals
Detailed procedures with input from staff, parents, and students
Systematic handler selection and support system
Proactive allergy and fear accommodation planning

Implementation Approach:

Phased introduction starting with small groups
Staff training conducted before dog’s first day
Clear visual indicators of therapy dog work areas
Regular communication with all stakeholders
Systematic documentation of all sessions
Quarterly program evaluation built into plan

Outcomes:

94% positive feedback from staff survey
97% parent satisfaction with implementation
Measurable improvements in targeted reading scores
Reduction in counselor referrals for anxiety
Positive local media coverage
Program expansion to additional district schools

Keys to Success:

Thorough planning and policy development
Clear communication with all stakeholders
Systematic implementation timeline
Regular evaluation and adjustment
Consistent documentation
Proactive concern management

Conclusion

Creating a successful school therapy dog program requires thoughtful planning, clear policies, and systematic implementation. By addressing the key considerations outlined in this guide, administrators can develop programs that enhance educational outcomes while managing risks and resources effectively.

At School Dogs LLC, we’ve seen the tremendous benefits these programs can bring to school communities when implemented properly. The investment in careful planning pays dividends in program success and sustainability.

Remember that successful therapy dog programs don’t happen by chance—they result from intentional design, clear communication, and ongoing evaluation. By following these guidelines, your school can create a program that provides meaningful benefits to students while avoiding common implementation pitfalls.

For more information on how School Dogs LLC can support your therapy dog implementation, contact us to discuss your school’s specific needs and goals.