Central Kitsap School District has a Therapy Dog program. 

Research has shown that therapy dogs in schools can help build strong social emotional skills in students. A therapy dog’s presence has also been shown to reduce anxiety, help students work through anger management concerns, reduce bullying tendencies, and address other personal and social issues that all of our developing students deal with. There are specific goals of the therapy dog program:

• Increase empathy and compassion in all students
• Help students connect with something in the school setting and reduce anxiety
• Improve academic performance, while increasing confidence and self-esteem

Our therapy dogs are certified through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD), Pet Partners, or Canine Companions or other AKC recognized organizations. To belong to these organizations the dog must be tested and evaluated by a Certified evaluator. A dog must be a minimum of one (1) year old and have a sound temperament. Each dog must pass a Handler’s assessment.

Registered Therapy dogs have specific cleanliness and grooming requirements. All certifying therapy dog organizations also require annual veterinarian checks for registered Therapy Dogs along with regular evaluations to maintain certification.

Please complete and return the form below, within 10 days of receipt, if you do not want your child to have contact with therapy dogs at school.