Discover the Difference: Unleashing the Benefits of Therapeutic Pets

by Diocese of Des Moines | October 17, 2023

As we strive to create nurturing and conducive learning environments for children, more elementary schools are embracing therapeutic pets to support students' emotional, social, and cognitive development. These furry companions, ranging from dogs and cats to smaller animals like rabbits and guinea pigs, provide benefits that extend far beyond companionship. 

Emotional Support and Stress Reduction

Children, like adults, experience stress and emotional challenges that can impact their learning and overall well-being. Therapeutic pets provide a non-judgmental, accepting presence that helps students feel safe and comforted. Interacting with these animals can reduce stress and anxiety, promoting emotional stability. For instance, stroking a pet's fur releases oxytocin (the "love hormone") in both the child and the animal, fostering feelings of affection and happiness.

Improved Social Skills and Empathy

Introducing therapeutic pets in elementary schools creates social interaction and learning opportunities. As children engage with these animals, they develop essential social skills, such as empathy, compassion, and respect for other living beings. These lessons extend beyond the classroom as students learn how to care for animals and, by extension, for one another. Additionally, the presence of a therapeutic pet can act as an icebreaker, encouraging shy or introverted students to participate more actively in group activities.

Enhanced Focus and Concentration

It's no secret that maintaining young children's attention can be challenging. Therapeutic pets offer a unique solution by capturing children's interest and increasing their engagement in various learning activities. The calming effect of interacting with these animals can help students focus better, leading to improved concentration and academic performance. This increased attentiveness can also be beneficial for children with attention-related challenges.

Facilitating Learning and Cognitive Development

Teachers can use these animals as educational tools, incorporating animal behavior, biology, and responsible pet ownership lessons into the classroom. This interdisciplinary approach makes learning more enjoyable, fosters a deeper understanding of subjects, and encourages critical thinking.

Emotional Regulation and Behavioral Improvement

For some students, managing emotions and behaviors can be a struggle. Therapeutic pets can play a pivotal role in helping children regulate their emotions and improve their behavior. Interacting with a gentle animal can provide a positive outlet for emotional expression, reducing aggressive or impulsive tendencies. Over time, students may learn healthier coping mechanisms and develop greater self-control.

Fostering a Positive School Environment

Therapeutic pets in elementary schools positively influence the overall school atmosphere. The sight of a happy, contented pet roaming the halls creates an environment that feels warm, inviting, and nurturing. This positive culture, in turn, promotes positive interactions between students, teachers, and staff, contributing to a sense of community and belonging.

Therapeutic pets have proven invaluable in elementary schools, offering many benefits for students, teachers, and the entire school community. From emotional support and stress reduction to improved social skills and enhanced cognitive development, these furry companions can transform children's learning experience. Therapeutic pets also help shape the next generation into well-rounded, caring individuals by fostering empathy, compassion, and responsibility.

As more schools embrace the positive impact of therapeutic pets, we can look forward to creating a brighter, happier, and more nurturing environment for our children to thrive and grow. The healing power of these animals extends far beyond the classroom, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of the students they touch.

The specific requirements for certification as a school therapy dog may vary depending on the organization providing the certification. However, therapy dogs are generally highly trainable, motivated, and have a friendly, calm, and gentle temperament that makes them well-suited to work in a school setting. Additionally, the dog's owner or handler often carries liability insurance to protect against accidents or incidents while the dog is on school property.

Christ the King, Holy Trinity, St. Augustin, and St. Joseph Catholic Schools - have embraced the benefits of pet therapy. Here is a closer look at these furry friends at our Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools.

Christ the King

At Christ the King, therapy pup Bruno is a local celebrity. This adorable Shih Tzu is known as "Bestie Bruno" for his friendly demeanor. He loves taking long walks down the hallways, chasing kids inside the gym, or hanging out in the office with his dog mom. Named for the famous Encanto song, Bruno officially became a Christ the King staff member this year, receiving a staff badge and school photo. 

"We love Bruno so much around here, and he definitely brings a light to everyone's eye when they see him," said school administrator Sara Stevenson Rooney.

Holy Trinity

Since 2022, Freddie and his dog mom and former educator, Mary Riordan, have visited the students at Holy Trinity Catholic School. Freddie is a Yorkshire Terrier and is certified through Therapy Dogs International. He helps students at Holy Trinity as a reading tutor dog, where students working on reading goals can read to him. He also provides comfort to students in need of social-emotional support throughout the school day. Freddie also volunteers at Child Serve, working with children with therapeutic needs.  

"Freddie is a great addition to students who may need a special friend to calm them down when they are anxious or upset," shared school administrator Monica Morrison. "The social-emotional needs of students have grown tremendously and we welcome new resources to help all of our students cope with stress and anxiety."

St. Augustin

Flynn the Labradoodle is a registered therapy dog and has been a mainstay in the St. Augustin School community for nearly five years. He joins his dog mom and school administrator, Kristel Spike, daily to enhance the learning environment by providing comfort and support for students experiencing emotional stress. Spike has researched the benefits of therapy dogs and shared her findings with school families to help them understand why she believes Flynn is an integral part of the school culture and its commitment to the students it serves. 

St. Joseph

Last fall, Dougie, a Shepard mix, joined his dog mom and school counselor, Julie Rodine, in making regular visits to the school. Dougie is participating in puppy training as part of the therapy dog certification process. 

St. Joseph student Molly said, "On bad days, kids can go see Dougie and they will be happier."

 

The Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools includes 16 schools that serve more than 6,700 students across central and southwest Iowa. Catholic schools in the Des Moines Diocese build Christ-centered, collaborative, inclusive partnerships with parents, students, and parishes to provide students with innovative academic excellence and inspirational faith formation. To learn more about Catholic schools in the Diocese of Des Moines, visit www.dmdiocese.org/catholic-schools or email grow@dmdiocese.org.