Wellbeing is most powerful when it is woven into everyday life. On our campus, across classrooms, counseling spaces, and community programs, intentional support helps students feel safe, confident, and ready to learn. This year, one initiative has stood out for the way it brings together academic growth and emotional support: the Wellbeing Dog Program.
What is the Wellbeing Dog Program and How Did it Start?
The idea began in 2019 when the Elementary School Learning Support team explored Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.), a program established in North America in 1999. This research highlighted an important truth. To be able to support striving readers, a combination of academic intervention, student confidence, emotional safety, and self-esteem drive student success.
Schools across the world, particularly in North America and Australia, have found that wellbeing dogs make a meaningful difference in students’ wellbeing overall. Research shows that interaction with dogs can lower stress and anxiety, improve focus, and support learning, such as increased motivation and confidence when reading aloud. Studies also highlight physical benefits, including reduced cortisol (the body’s stress hormone) and improved overall wellbeing.
Over the past two years, we have conducted extensive research into the proven benefits of school-based wellbeing dogs and consulted with other schools and organizations that run these programs successfully. With natural barriers to this effort of introducing an initiative similar to R.E.A.D. to CA, such as COVID-19, the cost and time in acquiring a trained dog and the professional training of multiple handlers, the momentum was stalled until the beginning of this school year.
Meet Apollo: CA’s First Wellbeing Dog
Apollo, a five-year-old Canadian-born mini Goldendoodle, is CA's first official Wellbeing Dog. Non-shedding, hypoallergenic, and naturally gentle, he brings a calm and reassuring presence to students and staff across the school.
He was first introduced during Back to School Nights before spending time with Elementary students and then Secondary students. By being present in small group and one-on-one reading sessions, writing workshops, ES W.I.N. Time, Community Time, counseling sessions, and after-school activities, he is intentionally integrated into academic and wellbeing settings. All interactions are structured, supervised by a trained handler, and entirely optional, ensuring that every student feels comfortable and respected.
In these spaces, Apollo has become a powerful motivator. Teachers have observed increased student engagement, improved learning outcomes, and a noticeable boost in confidence.
In Grade 4 classrooms, for example, his presence has helped reduce anxiety and encouraged students to take academic risks. His calm demeanor supports a more relaxed learning environment, allowing students to focus, persist, and participate more actively.
A Bridge for Emotional Wellbeing
One of the most significant impacts of the Wellbeing Dog Program is its role in supporting emotional health.
Students often find it easier to express themselves while sitting beside Apollo. His presence reduces the intensity of one-on-one interactions with adults, creating a safe and comforting space for students to process their thoughts and feelings.
In our Middle School, Apollo has already made meaningful connections. After being introduced at an assembly, he began working with individual students and members of the Mental Health (Menti) Club. Counselors have observed that as students become more comfortable with Apollo, they begin to show greater emotional openness, empathy, and compassion.
Even simple interactions, such as petting Apollo, can help regulate emotions and reduce stress levels, making him an effective support during both everyday learning and more challenging moments.
Building a Culture of Wellbeing Across Campus
Beyond academic support, Apollo contributes to a broader culture of wellbeing at CA. Programs like Puppy Yoga give students practical tools for mindfulness and physical regulation, while having Apollo in the Staff office provides a sense of calm and refocus.
The program continues to evolve in response to student needs, and its impact is already clear: a more positive school climate, stronger student connections, and a deeper sense of belonging.
Looking Ahead
The Wellbeing Dog Program continues to evolve in response to student needs. Plans are in place to expand by training additional handlers and welcoming more dogs, helping to build a sustainable and lasting initiative.
The focus remains clear. To create an environment where every student feels supported, understood, and able to thrive both academically and emotionally.
If you would like to learn more about the Wellbeing Dog Program, head over to this page which has some FAQs, or if you have specific questions or would like to offer feedback, or suggestions, please complete this form.
