Garden State Times

The New Jersey Senate has passed a bill sponsored by Senate Republican Leader Anthony M. Bucco, which aims to create a pilot program for using therapy dogs in public elementary school wellness programs. The legislation seeks to explore the potential benefits of therapy dogs in reducing stress and anxiety among students.

"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," stated Sen. Bucco. "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."

The bill, known as S-1253, outlines the establishment of a three-year pilot program aimed at evaluating the academic and health advantages linked to therapy dog use in schools. It also mandates that the Commissioner of Education select two school districts from each of the southern, central, and northern regions of New Jersey to participate in this initiative.

Further details about the legislation are available online.