Home / Education / Michigan Schools Embrace Therapy Dogs to Boost Student Mental Health
Michigan Schools Embrace Therapy Dogs to Boost Student Mental Health
23 Aug
Summary
- Michigan schools facing shortage of counselors and psychologists
- Brighton Area Schools have invested in 15 therapy dogs for almost 20 years
- Therapy dogs provide comfort and support to students, especially during stressful times
As of August 2025, Michigan schools are facing a critical shortage of school counselors and psychologists, according to the Michigan School Safety and Mental Health Commission. The state's ratio of one school psychologist for every 1,500 students is three times higher than the recommended national standard.
To address this gap, some school districts in Michigan have turned to an unconventional yet highly effective solution: therapy dogs. Brighton Area Schools, for instance, have invested in a pack of 15 therapy dogs for almost 20 years. These canine companions, including Hope, Ford, Suzie, and Martha, have become an integral part of the school's approach to supporting student mental health.
Students like 8-year-old Avery Shorkey attest to the positive impact of these therapy dogs. Avery says seeing Suzie, the school's therapy dog, walking down the hallway can instantly lift her spirits, especially on stressful test days. As Avery's mother, Andrea, explains, the presence of these therapy dogs provides immense comfort and reassurance to parents, knowing their children have access to this additional layer of support.
The therapy dogs work hand-in-hand with mental health professionals, with the ability to be assigned to the counselor's office during times of crisis or high need. They offer a non-judgmental, calming presence that can help students cope with emotional or behavioral concerns. The therapy dog program in Brighton is fully funded by the district, covering the costs of the dogs, their specialized training, and medical expenses.
Beyond their own schools, the Brighton therapy dog pack has also provided support to other districts, such as Oxford and Michigan State University, following tragic events like school shootings. Their presence has been described as an "immediate sense of calm and security" for the affected students.
As Michigan schools continue to navigate the challenges of limited mental health resources, the innovative use of therapy dogs offers a promising solution to support the overall wellbeing of students across the state.
