Selma Unified Therapy Dog Program

The Therapy Dog Program at Selma Unified School District was established in 2016 to support the mental and emotional well-being of students and families while addressing the stigma associated with seeking mental health services. The program began with one certified therapy dog, Jeter, a cockapoo trained in animal-assisted psychotherapy and provides a compassionate approach to supporting the mental health needs of students and families. The Therapy Dog Program has become an integral part of Selma Unified’s culture, promoting emotional wellness, reducing stigma, and providing critical support for students’ mental health needs.

Goals of the Program

• Reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental and emotional health support.
• Provide a safe, non-judgmental, and calming presence to help students express their feelings. 
• Increase referrals for mental health services from staff and through student self-referrals.
• Address student issues promptly to remove barriers to learning.
• Support regular school attendance.

Program Milestones

• In 2016, Jeter received certification and was officially approved by the Selma Unified Board of Trustees to begin working in the district.
• By August 2021, a second therapy dog, Scout, also a cockapoo, joined the program.
• In November 2023, the Selma Unified Therapy Dog Program was the recipient of a California Golden Bell Award. The Golden Bell Award is California’s leading educational honor, and is presented by the California School Boards Association to promote excellence in public education and school board governance by recognizing outstanding programs and governance practices.

Impact of Therapy Dogs

• Jeter and Scout regularly visit schools and participate in community events.
• Interacting with therapy dogs helps students feel calm and supported, enabling them to discuss emotional or mental health concerns.
• Students now request services by asking for Jeter or Scout, highlighting their critical role in making it easier to ask for help.
• Therapy dogs create a powerful connection with students, reducing defenses and fostering open communication.
• The program has led to a noticeable increase in mental health referrals and a reduction in the stigma around seeking help.

How Therapy Dogs Support Students

• Therapy dogs help students develop social skills such as taking turns, processing grief and loss, improving communication, and promoting positive behavior.
• In crisis situations, the dogs provide comfort by interacting with students, often identifying those who may need additional support.
• Studies show that interaction with therapy dogs releases oxytocin, a hormone that promotes emotional bonding and reduces stress.

Watch: KSEE 24 Education Matters- Jeter the Therapy Dog https://youtu.be/Dp8N-wYYRzA

Watch: PBS- A Paws for Healing https://www.pbs.org/video/a-paws-for-healing-tlwwai/

Read: EdSource- Therapy dogs changed the culture of mental health in this Central Valley district https://edsource.org/2023/therapy-dogs-changed-the-culture-of-mental-health-in-this-central-valley-district/691519

Read: Fresno Bee- Who can resist a face like this? School districts embracing lovable therapy animals https://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/education-lab/article171442352.html