NJ Senate approves Bucco, Beach bill creating therapy dog pilot program in elementary schools
TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Senate on Thursday approved legislation sponsored by Sens. Anthony M. Bucco and James Beach that would establish a three-year pilot program to evaluate the benefits of therapy dogs in public elementary school wellness programs.
Under the bill, S-3453, the Department of Education would oversee a pilot program designed to assess the academic and health impacts of incorporating therapy dogs into elementary school settings.
“Research suggests that interacting with therapy dogs can help relieve symptoms of stress and anxiety that often impact students’ mental health throughout the school year,” said Sen. Bucco, R-Morris/Passaic. “This bill would establish a pilot program to assess the academic and health benefits associated with integrating therapy dogs into public elementary school wellness programs. By bringing therapy dogs into more educational settings, we can reduce stress and support students who face various academic challenges.”
The legislation would require the commissioner of education to select six participating school districts — two each from northern, central and southern New Jersey — representing a mix of urban, suburban and rural communities.
School districts interested in participating would be required to submit applications detailing enrollment figures, existing wellness programs and plans for incorporating therapy dogs into student support services.
Sen. Beach, D-Camden/Burlington, said the program could provide schools with another tool to address student wellness and academic success.
“Research indicates that therapy dogs improve student confidence, motivation, and even school attendance, often leading to improved academic success,” said Beach. “As schools continue to search for innovative ways to address student mental health and learning challenges, this program will bolster existing student programs, create new learning opportunities, and provide participating school districts with guidance on implementing and evaluating their programs in order to maximize outcomes.”
The Department of Education would also provide guidance to participating districts regarding therapy dog programs, including recommended handler training, animal health and behavior standards, insurance considerations and examples of student activities involving therapy dogs.
At the conclusion of the pilot program, the Department of Education would be required to submit a report to the governor and Legislature evaluating whether therapy dogs improved student academic performance and health outcomes.
The report would be due no later than June 30 of the third school year following the program’s implementation.
The bill has since been received in the General Assembly and referred to the Assembly Education Committee for further consideration.
