Note: the information in this article covers the use of therapy and literacy dogs, and 'school dogs'. It does not cover assistance dogs and parents/carers bringing dogs onto school premises. We're currently working on an article about other dogs on school premises. Select 'save for later' at the top of this article to be notified when it's available.
Why you might bring a dog into school
Therapy dogs
Some schools have therapy dogs that come to visit, or have a permanent school dog to provide therapy to pupils. Animals can "bring comfort and happiness to people with a range of disabilities and emotional needs" according to Pets4Homes.
Not every dog will make a suitable therapy dog, so any dogs coming into school as part of therapy sessions need to be suitably trained. Read more about this further down the article.
Literacy dogs are a form of therapy dog. Organisations bring