Therapy Dog Pilot Program Introduced At Port Jefferson Schools

PORT JEFFERSON, NY — Students at Edna Louise Spear Elementary School got to meet therapy dogs as part of a pilot program launched by the Port Jefferson School District, according to a news release.

If the pilot goes well, the district may permanently have certified therapy dogs available throughout the school year.

Families were told of the visits in early March and were able to select whether their child would not participate in the visits due to allergies or discomfort with animals. The visits are coordinated through the Long Island Chapter of Love on a Leash and take place outside with COVID-19 social distancing and mask protocols in place.