Student Voices: What It’s Like to Learn with Therapy Dogs

For many children, the classroom can be a place of both excitement and anxiety. But imagine walking into school and being greeted by a friendly, tail-wagging therapy dog. Suddenly, the day feels brighter, safer, and more welcoming.

At TheraPets.org, we see this magic every day. Our certified therapy dogs and trained handlers visit schools to provide comfort, motivation, and emotional support to students of all ages. But rather than just telling you what we’ve seen, we wanted to share what the students themselves have to say — their genuine voices, experiences, and emotions.

These stories reveal how therapy dogs are transforming the learning experience — helping students read with confidence, manage anxiety, build friendships, and rediscover joy in the classroom.

“I Feel Calmer When the Dog Is Here” — Building Emotional Support

Many students describe therapy dogs as a source of calm during stressful school days.

“Sometimes I get nervous coming to school,” says a 1st grader. “But when Maggie sits next to me, I just feel happy.”

This emotional grounding is at the heart of animal-assisted therapy in schools. Research and first-hand feedback show that therapy dogs help lower blood pressure, reduce stress, and provide sensory comfort — especially for students with anxiety, ADHD, or autism.

Teachers report that emotional outbursts decrease significantly in classrooms where therapy dogs visit regularly. Students are better able to focus, self-regulate, and recover from frustration when they have a furry friend nearby.

“Reading to Luna Makes Me Brave” — Encouraging Confidence in Learning

One of the most successful programs we’ve implemented through TheraPets.org is Reading to Riley.

A 2nd grader told us:

“I used to be scared to read in front of people. But when I read to Riley, she listens to me and doesn’t laugh if I make mistakes.”

For struggling readers, therapy dogs act as non-judgmental listeners, helping children build fluency and self-esteem. Educators have noticed measurable improvement in reading speed and pronunciation, but more importantly, they’ve seen a rise in students’ willingness to try.

In literacy programs, students often wait their turn to read aloud to their favorite dog, forming positive associations between reading and joy — instead of pressure.

Emotional Regulation & Social Growth

Therapy dogs not only comfort individual students but also help entire classrooms learn empathy and cooperation.

“When someone is sad, we let them pet Delbert first,” shared a 3rd grader. “It’s like he knows who needs him.”

Teachers have noticed that when therapy dogs are present, students become more compassionate toward each other. Conflicts reduce, tone softens, and teamwork increases. Dogs provide real-time examples of kindness, patience, and unconditional acceptance.

Some schools use therapy dogs as part of social-emotional learning (SEL) programs — integrating them into lessons about emotions, boundaries, and mindfulness. Students learn to mirror calm behavior, interpret cues, and communicate with respect.

How Teachers and Parents See the Change

It’s not just the students who notice the difference. Teachers often share how therapy dogs make their jobs easier — not by replacing discipline, but by reshaping classroom energy.

A high school school teacher shared:

“When Gibson walks in, the whole atmosphere changes. Kids who rarely talk suddenly smile. Even my most withdrawn students open up.”

Parents, too, report that children who interact with therapy dogs at school come home calmer, happier, and more talkative. For students struggling with emotional challenges or special education needs, therapy dogs often become a bridge between therapy goals and daily school life.

Inside the Classroom: A Typical Day with a Therapy Dog

Every TheraPets.org visit is structured yet flexible, designed to support each school’s needs. A typical elementary classroom session includes:

1. Greeting time – Students gently greet the therapy dog, practicing manners and respect.
   
2. Reading or activity – Small groups read stories, complete tasks, or engage in quiet interaction with the dog nearby.
   
3. Emotional check-ins – Students can share how they feel using “dog cards” or reflection time.
   
4. Mindful closing – The session ends with petting, gratitude sharing, or a short relaxation exercise.
   

Therapy dogs aren’t a distraction — they’re a tool for connection. With proper structure, their presence enhances learning outcomes and creates a safe, nurturing classroom culture.

Supporting the Mission: How You Can Help

Every therapy dog visit requires training, care, and resources — from vet costs to handler preparation. At TheraPets.org, we rely on generous donors, sponsors, and merchandise supporters to keep these programs running.

When you shop from our Therapy Dog Hoodies Collection, you’re not just buying apparel — you’re helping fund therapy dog visits in schools across Illinois and beyond. Each hoodie proudly represents comfort, compassion, and community support.

Want to bring a therapy dog program to your school?
You can Meet the Team and Become a Client to learn how to start. Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or parent advocate, we’ll help you design a plan that fits your students’ needs.

Real Impact: What the Numbers Show

Based on ongoing feedback and pilot studies, schools that incorporate therapy dog programs report:

• A significant decrease in behavioral incidents during class hours
  
•  Improvement in reading engagement among reluctant readers
  
• Many students report reduced anxiety before tests or academic lessons
  
• Increased attendance and morale in both general and special education classrooms
  

Behind these numbers are hundreds of smiles, calm hearts, and inspired learners — each one a testament to the healing power of animals.

How to Bring Therapy Dogs into Your School

1. Reach Out: Visit the Meet the Team page to connect with our coordinators.
   
2. Assessment: We’ll help evaluate your classroom or school environment to tailor a therapy plan.
   
3. Training & Orientation: All handlers and dogs are certified, ensuring full safety and comfort.
   
4. Pilot Program: Start small — one classroom or grade — and measure feedback.
   
5. Sustain & Grow: Use data, student feedback, and community support to expand the impact.

Conclusion

The stories from students make one thing clear — therapy dogs aren’t just visitors; they’re friends, motivators, and silent healers. From easing test anxiety to fostering compassion, they create ripples of positivity that extend far beyond the classroom.

At TheraPets.org, we believe every child deserves a chance to learn in an environment filled with warmth, comfort, and unconditional love. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or donor, your support helps us continue this beautiful journey of healing through paws and purpose.

Learn more, meet our team, or bring a program to your school:
https://www.therapets.org/pages/meet-the-team

And don’t forget to explore our Therapy Dog Hoodies Collection — wear your heart (and paw prints) with pride!