School Wellbeing Dogs

Enhancing student mental health and wellbeing in primary and secondary schools.

On this page:

A yellow Labrador in an orange Therapy Dog coat.
About the program

Wellbeing Labs

As an approved provider on the Victorian Department of Education’s Schools Mental Health Menu, Guide Dogs Victoria is proud to provide School Wellbeing Dogs in collaboration with Lead the Way Institute. Comprehensive support is provided, enabling schools to safely and effectively integrate a School Wellbeing Dog into their community. 

The program is available for primary and secondary schools across Victoria, in both metropolitan and regional areas, excluding early education programs.

“Therapy Dogs have proven therapeutic benefits, reducing stress and anxiety through cortisol reduction and increased oxytocin and dopamine.”

– Bode, A 2020, ‘Animal-assisted Therapy: The expansion of Social Work Practice’
Why get a School Wellbeing Dog from Guide Dogs Victoria?

Skip straight to the fun part.

Many schools and professionals are eager to introduce Wellbeing or Therapy Dogs in schools, but don’t know where to start. Challenges like training a puppy, managing behavioural issues, and ensuring safety can seem daunting. 

With our expert team, you won’t have to navigate these hurdles alone. By choosing a School Wellbeing Dog from Guide Dogs Victoria, your school can avoid common puppy-related issues such as toileting accidents, excitable behaviour, or improperly matched animals. Our dogs are specially selected for their temperament and socialised to meet the unique demands of a school environment. 

You’ll receive a dog who has already completed essential training, along with ongoing guidance and support throughout the placement. We take a tailored approach to assess your school’s needs, ensuring the perfect match for your community. So, you can simply sit back and enjoy the benefits of knowing you and your new canine colleague are ready to skip straight to the fun part – specialised therapy and wellbeing certification.

Additionally, to cover the costs of introducing a School Wellbeing Dog, Victorian government schools can use their funding from the Victorian Government’s Schools Mental Health Fund. 

How the program works

End to end support from our expert team.

Initial inquiry and expression of interest

Upon submission, schools receive an information booklet and can organise a phone call with our dedicated Therapy Dog Team.

Assessment

Guide Dogs Victoria assesses your unique needs and school environment to ensure successful integration.

Selection and matching

Your school is matched with a suitable Wellbeing Dog based on your needs, environment, and the dog’s temperament.

Training and certification

Each school’s nominated dog guardian undergoes training with Guide dogs Victoria. In addition, Lead the Way Institute facilitates specific therapy and wellbeing training and certification with the dog and the school’s nominated dog Handler/s.

Ongoing support

Schools receive continued support to ensure every placement is a success. This includes regular follow-ups from Guide Dogs Victoria during the first year with options for additional support afterward if needed.

Lead the Way Institute can also provide tailored packages including individual consults, training, mentoring and more.

Regular assessments

Annual reassessment and certification as a Wellbeing Dog is provided by Lead the Way Institute to ensure the dog’s ongoing wellbeing and team success.

Program certification and costs

Program costs

  • Victorian Schools Mental Health Fund and Mental Health Menu: Guide Dogs Victoria in collaboration with Lead the Way Institute and the Victorian Department of Education’s Schools Mental Health Menu can help integrate a School Wellbeing Dog into your community using your school’s funding.
  • Initial assessment, $1,100: Online application, phone interview, site visit to ensure suitability and matching. 
  • Supply of dog, $22,000: Receive a trained dog, matched for suitability, plus site visits and support. The school is responsible for covering all ongoing care costs for the dog.
  • Training and certification, from $3,110: All schools receive a comprehensive, blended learning experience with a mix of online, self-paced theory and in-person training, assessments and community visits provided by Lead the Way Institute. Various training packages are available for single and multiple dog Handlers, ranging from basic through to advanced plus additional supports. Please contact Lead the Way via email at enquiries@leadtheway.com.au to discuss your school’s situation and obtain a quote. 
  • Annual recertification, $470: In line with national and international best practice standards, teams must re-certify at least annually with Lead the Way Institute.  This ensures that safety and welfare are monitored regularly. Recertification for teams involves a comprehensive veterinary screen followed by attending a one day, in-person assessment comprising simulations and community visits. 
Next steps

I want a School Wellbeing Dog. What’s next?

I work at a public school

Victorian government schools are eligible to use their funding from the Victorian Government’s Schools Mental Health Fund to cover the costs of introducing a School Wellbeing Dog.

Guide Dogs Victoria is currently listed on the Schools Mental Health Menu in the Category of intervention: Wellbeing animal programs, under Tier 1: Positive mental health promotion.

Simply submit your expression of interest and we will get in touch to discuss your application and next steps.

I work at a private school

Although Victorian independent schools are not eligible to access funding from the Schools Mental Health Fund Mental Health Menu, Guide Dogs Victoria can still facilitate the integration of a School Wellbeing Dog through tailored programs and support. Our team is dedicated to helping schools create a positive environment that prioritises student wellbeing.  

If you’re interested in enhancing your school’s wellbeing initiatives, we invite you to submit an expression of interest today through our form below. 

Stories of impact

Luka Barkley

Luka Barkley

Case Study

Maurice

Maurice

Case Study

Sonny

Case Study

Expression of interest

School Wellbeing Dogs

Take the next step and support the mental health and wellbeing of your students and staff by introducing a School Wellbeing Dog to your school. Simply complete our form below. Once submitted, we’ll schedule a no-obligation phone call to discuss an overview of the program, eligibility criteria, and answer any questions you may have to ensure a clear understanding of the process and next steps involved.

Name
FAQs

We’re here to help.

What are the benefits of a school wellbeing dog?

Mental health and emotional support: A comforting presence that helps reduce stress for both students and staff. The dog’s instinctive empathy fosters emotional connections, creating a safe space for individuals to share their feelings and experiences. 

Social interaction and reduced anxiety: Encourage positive social behaviour and facilitate interactions among students. This can ease anxiety, allowing individuals to engage more freely, build friendships, and develop social skills in a supportive environment. 

Improved attendance: Wellbeing Dogs in schools have been shown to positively influence attendance and overall morale. Their calming presence can motivate students to attend school more regularly, contributing to a more vibrant and engaged community. 

Fostering a sense of community: The presence of a School Wellbeing Dog encourages inclusion, collaboration and connection among students and staff, unifying and strengthening the overall school community.

View our comprehensive range of wellbeing services to explore our holistic approach. 

How are the dogs selected?

Our dogs come from a carefully managed breeding program at Guide Dogs Victoria, adhering to strict health and temperament standards from the International Guide Dog Federation. 

Nurtured in our Kew-based nursery, each pup receives age-appropriate handling, exposure, and plenty of love from specialist staff and volunteers. Trained with the same foundations as our Guide Dogs, they are well-prepared for their roles as Therapy or Wellbeing Dogs. 

From two- to 14-months, pups are socialised and trained by our expert Puppy Development Advisors and dedicated volunteer Puppy Raisers. They undergo extensive foundational training, and housetraining, setting them up for success. 

At around 14 months, pups return to the Guide Dog Centre for thorough assessments and additional training, aligning their unique strengths with meaningful roles. Each Therapy Dog and Wellbeing Dog has a comprehensive health and behaviour history, ensuring a smooth integration process supported by expert advice. 

Our dogs are housetrained, well-mannered, and assessed regularly, making their transition into new environments seamless. Successful matching is key: our Therapy Dog Team carefully considers each dog’s personality, skills, and the school environment to ensure a perfect fit. 

Get to know more about our dogs and how we train them here. 

Is the program available to regional schools or just metro areas?

The program is available for primary and secondary schools across Victoria, in both metropolitan and regional areas. However, at this stage, that excludes any early education programs. 

Why Labradors?

At Guide Dogs Victoria, we choose Labradors for their proven temperament, exceptional trainability, and suitability for school environments. Their reliable nature and calm demeanor allows them to easily connect with people and thrive in busy settings, providing consistent support to students and staff, making them ideal companions for fostering wellbeing in educational settings. 

While some programs use Oodles (Poodle mixes) to address allergy concerns and minimise shedding, Labradors are specifically chosen for their resilience and ability to handle the pressures of school life. Although they do shed hair, effective management through regular grooming, designated dog-free zones, and thorough cleaning can accommodate those with sensitivities. 

Ultimately, Labradors offer a unique blend of temperament and support that enhances wellbeing in educational settings. 

How do we ensure the dog is suitable for a school environment?

To ensure our School Wellbeing Dogs are suitable for educational settings, we focus on extensive socialisation and foundational training from an early age using a comprehensive and proven process, drawing on our near-70-years of experience training pups and dogs. 

Each Labrador undergoes thorough assessments before their unique personality and skills are carefully matched with the specific needs of the school and environment. This tailored approach ensures they thrive in busy settings, providing the support and comfort that students and staff need. 

 How are staff involved in the program? 

  • Primary guardian: Each Wellbeing Dog is placed with a primary guardian, who will be responsible for the dog’s care and the environment in which the dog lives. The primary guardian will take the dog home at the end of each school day, as the dog cannot be left alone for longer than four hours. 
  • Additional Handlers: Up to two additional school staff, trained to support the dog’s activities. 
  • School’s obligations: Each school has key responsibilities in maintaining a supportive and safe environment for the dog, including providing designated areas where the dog can rest, play, and interact safely, free from overcrowding or distractions; implementing policies to manage interactions with the dog so students and staff understand appropriate behaviour around the dog; provide routine care, including regular feeding, access to water, and health check-ups; ensuring adequate rest and reinforcing positive behaviours and following guidelines provided by our team.
What ongoing support is provided?

We provide comprehensive, ongoing support to ensure success with every School Wellbeing Dog or School Support Dog placed. This includes regular check-ins from our team, additional training sessions as needed, and access to resources for seamless transitions into the school environment. We also offer guidance on integrating the dog into your school environment, ensuring that both the dog and the community benefit from a positive and supportive experience. Your school will have a dedicated point of contact to assist with any questions or concerns throughout the dog’s placement. 

I’m not eligible for menu funding, but I’d still like a dog.

While you may not be eligible for menu funding, our team is committed to assisting schools in fostering a positive environment that prioritises student wellbeing. We offer tailored programs to meet your specific needs. To get started, please submit an expression of interest through our form, and we will reach out to discuss the next steps.