Student success requires more than strong curriculum and skilled instruction. For many learners, particularly those navigating mental health challenges, success hinges on emotional safety and connection. One powerful and underutilized tool in creating that connection is dog therapy.
At SouthernTech, we piloted a dog therapy program aimed at supporting students struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma and feelings of isolation. This initiative proved to be more than a feel-good story; it became a bridge to deeper engagement, resilience and retention for students who often feel unseen.
Why dog therapy matters
CTE programs are hands-on, workforce-focused and fast-paced. For students dealing with external stressors such as housing insecurity, family instability or untreated mental health conditions, these programs can feel overwhelming. The truth is, 40% of U.S. high school students have reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023).
Dog therapy has been shown to “reduce cortisol levels, increase oxytocin, lower blood pressure, and increase social engagement and emotional regulation” (Arsovski, 2024). For students who have grown to distrust adults or educational systems, dogs can be the first safe relationship they encounter at school.
Creating buy-in
Not all staff members believed in the idea, and the board of directors had many questions. But ultimately… What began as our resource officer having a service dog turned into SouthernTech needing a full-time therapy dog of its own. We wanted to take a different approach to student support.
Students began visiting the dog when they felt overwhelmed. Instructors noticed a significant cultural shift in their classrooms and reported fewer emotional breakdowns. Even more powerful was the way our therapy dog served as a social equalizer, breaking down barriers between students of different backgrounds and helping our educators connect with the most disconnected learners.
We created a QR code that was added to students’ badges that allowed them to gain access to counseling and the dog. This turned out to be a huge success for students and instructors. Students benefitted from compassionate and trauma-informed care, and instructors received extra support for student needs. The next year was an even bigger success as staff started opening the badges for different needs.
All of this brought a new culture to SouthernTech and garnered the support of everyone for the initiative. One administrator, who had not been supportive of the initiative, stated, “No school should ever be without a dog!”
Implementing dog therapy in your CTE program
You don’t need a large budget to start. Here’s how you can replicate our success in your community.
- Partner with local therapy dog organizations. Contact an accredited organization like Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Many are eager to serve schools and already carry insurance and credentials.
- Create a calm, safe environment. Designate a quiet space for interactions. Keep sessions short and ensure students opt in voluntarily.
- Train staff on trauma-informed approaches. Therapy dogs are most effective when paired with educators (e.g., counselors) who recognize signs of emotional dysregulation and understand how to support healing.
- Collect data thoughtfully. Track attendance, referrals and student feedback to measure impact. Qualitative data, like student comments or counselor observations, can be just as valuable as numbers.
- Center equity. Ensure that the program is not just benefiting high-achieving or already engaged learners; everyone can benefit from therapy dogs.
A culture of belonging
While a therapy dog can spark engagement, it’s the culture that sustains it. In our case, the dog was the door, but the relationships that formed on the other side were the real intervention.
CTE educators are uniquely positioned to implement creative, student-centered support. Our students are preparing for high-demand careers in high-pressure industries. Building their emotional resilience is not an extra; it’s essential workforce preparation. By integrating animal-assisted therapy into CTE environments, we’re not just supporting students who show up every day. We’re reaching out to those who have almost given up and showing them that they belong here, too.
Kristal McGathern is a program director at SouthernTech in Ardmore, Oklahoma.
