There’s something special about the comfort of a wagging tail and a friendly face. At West Allegheny, our Therapy Dog Program brings that comfort into our schools, creating opportunities for students and staff to connect, relax and feel supported throughout the school day.

Our therapy dogs are more than just a fun visit. As resident therapy dogs, they are a regular and valued presence in our schools, supporting students and staff while becoming part of our school community. They are trained to provide companionship, encouragement and a calming presence when it’s needed most. From greeting students in the hallway to offering a quiet moment of connection, these four-legged members of our school community are making a positive difference, one wag at a time.

Before a dog can become part of the West Allegheny Therapy Dog Program, they must earn two nationally recognized certifications.  The therapy dogs must first earn their AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification, which is a 10-skill assessment designed to demonstrate that a dog has good manners, responds appropriately to its handler and can behave responsibly in a variety of everyday situations. In addition, our dogs must successfully complete the Therapy Dogs United (TDU) certification process. Therapy Dogs United requires dogs to pass the CGC as well as an additional Therapy Dog Evaluation that assesses temperament and the dog's ability to remain calm and responsive in difficult, distracting or stressful situations and while working around other dogs.

West Allegheny's therapy dogs are an important part of our commitment to supporting the whole child. Through their calming presence and unconditional companionship, they help foster a school environment where students feel safe, supported, connected and ready to learn.