Therapy Dogs in School

We pride ourselves on our unique services in schools

  • Child in party hat with magnifying glass looks at a white therapy dog in a bandana indoors.

    Support

    Hope's Therapy Dogs make a tangible impact – Our Therapy Dogs thrive in Primary and Secondary school environments, offering 2-hour sessions tailored to specific needs. Our team comprises of qualified Teachers, Counsellors and Thrive Practitioners, adept at working with children in mainstream as well as SEMH/SEND settings.

  • Child in purple school top sitting with a brown and white therapy dog next to red cones on the floor.

    Tailored

    Hope's Therapy Dogs provides a spectrum of support, therapies, and customised solutions designed to align seamlessly with the unique needs of each school. We recognise that schools possess an intimate understanding of their students, and our services are tailored to complement this firsthand knowledge.

Three individuals posing with a brown therapy dog indoors, one wearing a penguin sweater, beside a decorated wall.
“We couldn’t recommend Hope’s Therapy Dog’s enough. Highly trained dogs and an excellent therapist providing much needed affection, comfort and support to the children at our school.
Our children have really benefitted from Hope’s Therapy Dogs, they look forward to their sessions and come back calm, relaxed and happy. We have seen vast improvements in the mental health and wellbeing of the participating children.”
— Wendy McKinnon Head Teacher, and Rachel Fairhurst Pastoral Lead, St Andrews Primary School, Warrington
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A young boy with dark hair smiling and holding two plush toys, one yellow with a smiling face and one red with an angry face, while sitting next to a white poodle dog wearing a purple harness inside a room with brick walls and wooden furniture.
“Tam and Jackson are a much‑loved part of everyday life at our school. Jackson, with his famously fluffy fur and gentle nature, has become something of a celebrity here. Our children light up when they spot him in the corridors, and even those who don’t work with him directly love having him around. He brings a sense of calm, comfort, and joy to our very busy school environment.

Tam’s impact is just as special. She supports children through their wellbeing journeys, offering a listening ear and lots of patience. Her work has helped our pupils feel more confident, settled, and understood.

Tam’s flexibility has enabled us to work closely and collaboratively, making sure children always get the very best deal. She adapts to what each day brings, slots into the school’s busy rhythm, and works in a way that truly puts the children first. ”
— Jodie Bradley, Designated Safeguarding Lead, Anfield Road Primary School, Liverpool
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Two small dogs, one beige and one gray with black, walking on grass and holding sticks in their mouths.
“We are more than happy with Becks. She is incredible and so are her dogs. The children really enjoy their sessions with her. She was a God send to us because we have had some tragic news and she was so intuitive, working with any children that needed it.
She is a real credit to your company.”
— Emma Perkins, Deputy Head Teacher, St. Barnabas CE Primary School, Warrington
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A young boy with short hair sitting at a wooden table, holding a glue stick, with a small curly-haired dog with a blue bow on its collar sitting in front of him. The table has art supplies including paper, markers, and craft items, and the background shows a wooden wall with fire extinguishers and a shelf with various items.
“Tam and Jackson are very much a part of ‘Team Bedford’ - their twice weekly visits are eagerly anticipated by all. Jackson knows just what each individual child needs and when to bring it - his therapeutic response and sensitive interactions reflect this. Tam brings nurture, professionalism and a vast amount of school experience. Together they are just the perfect partnership and we are extremely grateful to have them onboard. ”
— Lucy Gordon Assisstant Headteacher at Bedford Primary School, Bootle
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A young girl with her hair in a ponytail, wearing a purple dress with a plaid apron, sitting on a red chair, looking down at a book. Next to her is a black and gray therapy dog with a curly coat, wearing a purple vest with black straps that says 'THERAPY DOG'.
“Hope’s Therapy Dogs have provided invaluable support for our pupils’ mental health and wellbeing. The children’s faces light up when they see Ali with Pippa, Stella or Elsa. The children know they are in a safe place when they spend time with the dogs and are able to relax, talk and take comfort from them. It really has been a pleasure to work with Alison and her amazing therapy dogs.”
— Mrs Lou McCallion Deputy Headteacher/Inclusion Manager Thatto Heath CPS
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Black Labrador wearing a purple harness with 'Therapy Dog' label, standing on a colorful, textured mat with yellow, pink, and blue sections, and small yellow bowls filled with treats.
“Ali and her therapy dogs, Pippa, Stella and Elsa have been coming into Northwood Community Primary School for the last 2 years and are very much part of our school community. Ali and her dogs have taken part in whole school assemblies, worked in classes and worked 1-1 with many children. The dogs are so well trained and obedient and Ali is a highly skilled therapist who knows the needs of all of the children she works with. The impact has been incredible and the children and staff look forward to them coming in twice a week.”
— Sarah Murphy, Headteacher, Northwood Community Primary School, Kirkby
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A person in a blue shirt and burgundy cardigan sitting on the floor with a small dog wearing a therapy dog vest. The dog is on a leash and surrounded by toys, including a yellow ball, a red ball, and a purple toy. There is a blue and green bucket nearby on a wooden floor.
“Becks has a lovely connection and way with the children. She is able to establish trusting relationships in a short period of time and is perceptive to the children’s needs.

All the children she has worked with have valued the intervention and shown progress within the areas of identified need.

Parents have also commented how much they have valued the support Becks has given.”
— Jude Ryan, Head Teacher, St. Joseph's Catholic Primary School, Kirkby
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At our organisation, we are deeply passionate about the wellbeing of our therapy dogs and all dogs that work in educational environments. Their care, respect, and overall wellbeing are always our top priorities. We believe that happy, healthy dogs are essential to creating safe and supportive spaces for the children and staff they interact with. If your school is considering introducing a dog into your educational setting, we would love to have a conversation with you to discuss how we can help. Our aim is to ensure the highest level of care for the dogs, while also supporting the children they work with and the staff involved, creating a positive and enriching experience for everyone.

Read these wonderful quotes about the difference Therapy Dog sessions make to children and their schools…

“When I’m with dogs I stop worrying. Pippa stops me worrying.”
— Child previously struggled with school attendance due to anxiety. Has attended consistently since starting work with Pippa.
“I love spending time with Jackson. When I’m feeling sad and angry, he always makes me feel better”
— Child who was experiencing significant challenges at home
“Jackson is so cute, he lets me stroke him and when he licks me it makes me laugh”
— Child who struggles to cope with everyday school life
“I felt sad and scared when I first did dog therapy, but now I’m not.”
— Child who was struggling with domestic violence
“I like playing with Pippa and talking to someone about feelings I can’t talk to anyone else about.”
— Child who was struggling to overcome trauma
“Seeing Tam and Jackson makes me excited”
— Child who suffers from deep anxiety
  • Logo of BBC Northwest Tonight on a red background.

    We recently appeared on BBC North West News to talk about our work in the build up of the BBC Make A Difference Awards. Read more here!

  • Logo with initials 'AB' over a bridge and the motto 'A Bridge to Success' within an oval blue border.

    We are currently in our third year working with Alt Bridge School. Take a look at their website here to find out a bit more about us and our therapeutic support work there!

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    We were featured in The Wigan Today after being highly commended at the BIBAs, the business awards run by North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce in September 2023. Read about our story and impact across North West Schools here.

  • Logo of 'St Helens Star' with red and blue text on a white background.

    We were featured in the St Helens Star, read more hereto find out more about our starting point and our amazing impact in schools.

  • Logo with white "WG" letters on a red background.

    We recently featured in the Warrington Guardian after winning the Animal Award through the BBC Make A Difference Awards. Read more here!