Garden State Times

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 Sen. 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.

To speak with Sen. Bucco about this bill, please contact Chris Sivel, SRO Deputy Director of Communications at [email protected].