New Jersey is considering therapy dogs as part of plan to improve student morale and attendance

7TRENTON, NJ – A new proposal in the New Jersey Legislature would launch a three-year pilot program bringing therapy dogs into public elementary schools to measure their impact on student wellness and academic performance.

The bill, sponsored by Assemblywomen Carol A. Murphy, Michele Matsikoudis, and Rosaura “Rosy” Bagolie, calls for the Department of Education to oversee the initiative and evaluate its effectiveness in improving attendance, confidence, motivation, and classroom engagement.

Under the measure, school districts interested in joining the pilot must apply to the commissioner of education, providing details on student enrollment, participation in existing wellness programs, and plans for integrating therapy dogs into daily activities.

Selected districts would come from nort