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Farmington pilot places therapy dogs in two schools; handlers say dogs reduce classroom agitation
Summary
Farmington Public Schools trustees heard a presentation on the district's first therapy-dog pilot at Warner and Forest elementary schools. Handlers said the dogs, Sunny and Koda, have eased student agitation in emotional-impairment classrooms and are supported by local sponsors and fundraising rather than district operating funds.
Farmington Public Schools staff on Tuesday introduced Sunny and Koda, the district's first therapy dogs, and described how the animals have been used in emotional-impairment classrooms and other learning spaces at Warner and Forest elementary schools.
District staff emphasized that the dogs are part of a pilot program supported by community sponsors and local fundraising rather than the general fund. Emily Torres and Robin Veach, the dogs' handlers, told the board the animals wear vests that identify them as on-duty and receive lifetime veterinary care from a local provider donated by a sponsor.
Torres described Sunny's daily routine: “She starts off her day, every day, she starts off in our EI classroom for about 45 minutes.” She said teachers reported the dog "completely changed the culture of that classroom" and that Sunny helps de-escalate students who are having a hard time. Robin Veach described Koda's schedule and said he began in December with half days and has since increased time in classrooms and in SEL work.
Board members asked how the program is paid for, how handlers are selected and how the district addresses allergies and fears. Torres and Veach said sponsors cover vet care and grooming; building-level fundraisers pay food costs. They said handlers must commit to remaining at the school where the dog is assigned and to follow training and handling requirements. On allergies, staff said they sent a letter to families offering opt-outs and reported no formal allergy complaints at Forest or Warner.
Board members and public commenters praised the program and asked about scaling. The handlers said expansion requires a significant staff commitment: handlers must agree to stay in the same building while the dog is assigned there and to participate in district events when needed. The handlers also noted dogs need regular reinforcement training and rest periods during the school day.
The presentation closed with a request from board members for links to school donation pages and an explanation of how the program's volunteers and sponsors support ongoing costs.
Farmington staff said they plan to continue collecting tally-based data (behavioral tallies and positive supports) to track the program's effects and to formalize routines and schedules in future school years.
