"While we can't accommodate all requests, we do prioritize events that optimize student mental well-being. This past week, we had 10 of the B.A.R.K. dogs and handlers attend a Student Mental Health Week event at a local high school and their approach to supporting well-being saw student leaders organize a series of stations designed to reduce stress and bolster students' social connections and sense of community."
"Dogs working at public events, such as a school event, are carefully selected to ensure they have high startle reflexes, are adaptable to new environments, have been assessed for their suitability to work with children, and enjoy meeting new people. Despite these precautions, we're mindful to ensure that conditions are in place to optimize the dogs' welfare that include: the room is swept and prepped to ensure there are no dropped staples or leftover food on the floor,"
The B.A.R.K. office at the University of British Columbia, Okanagan campus receives requests from elementary, middle, and high schools to bring therapy dogs to events and prioritizes activities that support student mental well-being. Ten B.A.R.K. dogs and handlers attended a Student Mental Health Week event where student leaders organized stress-reduction stations that promoted social connection and community across grade levels. Dogs chosen for public events are screened for temperament and suitability to work with children, and event conditions are managed to protect their welfare through room preparation, visitor limits, comfort provisions, temperature monitoring, and short visit durations.
Read at Psychology Today
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