News Department

Bill establishing pilot program for therapy dogs in schools advances

NEW JERSEY – The Senate Education Committee advanced legislation sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco that would establish a pilot program to use therapy dogs in public elementary school wellness programs.

“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 Bucco (R-25). “This bipartisan 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 facilitate stress-reduction and support students who face various academic challenges.”

Key components of S-1253 include:

  • Establishing a three-year pilot program to assess the academic and health benefits associated with the use of therapy dogs in public elementary school wellness programs.
  • Requiring the Commissioner of Education to select two school districts in the southern, central, and northern regions of the State to participate in the pilot program.

Jay Edwards

Born and raised in Northwest NJ, Jay has a degree in Communications and has had a life-long interest in local radio and various styles of music. Jay has held numerous jobs over the years such as stunt car driver, bartender, voice-over artist, traffic reporter (award winning), NY Yankee maintenance crewmember and peanut farm worker. His hobbies include mountain climbing, snowmobiling, cooking, performing stand-up comedy and he is an avid squirrel watcher. Jay has been a guest on America’s Morning Headquarters,program on The Weather Channel, and was interviewed by Sam Champion.

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