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.

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…

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 (headteacher) and Rachel Fairhurst (pastoral lead) St Andrews primary school Warrington
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A child in school uniform and a therapist with a therapy dog performing a trick indoors.
“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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“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
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“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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Child's hand petting a golden retriever therapy dog lying next to books.
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“I just wanted to send a quick message to highlight how amazing Sarah is... and not forgetting Saffy of course! We are all so grateful for the work that Sarah and Saffy do and the difference they make. Sarah is like having a friend pop into the office too, absolutely lovely!”
— Designated Safeguarding Lead Anfield Road Primary School
“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
“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
“If it wasn’t for seeing Saffy today, I’d be crying.”
— Child who is learning how to recognise and talk about their feelings
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    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!