Paws for Intervention: Perceptions About the Use of Dogs in Schools

ABSTRACT

Research in the field of animal-assisted therapy has shown that therapy dogs have a positive social-emotional impact on individuals in hospitals, nursing homes, and counseling. Recently, the literature has suggested that therapy dogs can yield positive psychological, social, and academic outcomes in schools, although this research is quite limited. The intent of this study was to examine perceptions on the effectiveness of therapy dogs in schools for promoting students’ psychological well-being, and an overall positive school climate. Preliminary evidence shows faculty and students from four rural school districts across Western New York indicated support for this emerging and viable school intervention. This qualitative and quantitative insight can help guide future research.

KEYWORDS:

• Animal-assisted therapy
• creativity in counseling
• intervention
• school counseling

Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge Jana Atlas, Alfred University, for her help in manuscript preparation. This manuscript is based on data included in a paper presented at the National Association of School Psychologists 2015 Annual Conference held in Orlando, Florida. Additionally, parts of the data were presented at the New York Association for School Psychology’s 2014 Annual Conference. Both were paper presentations by Courtney Lupton, Amy Fisk, and Cris Lauback.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Courtney E. Zents

Courtney E. Zents is a doctoral student in the Division of Counseling and School Psychology, Alfred University, Alfred, New York.

Amy K. Fisk

Amy K. Fisk is a doctoral student in the Division of Counseling and School Psychology, Alfred University, Alfred, New York.

Cris W. Lauback

Cris W. Lauback is an Associate Professor in the Division of Counseling and School Psychology, Alfred University, Alfred, New York.