Laughter, smiles, and wagging tails filled wellness centers across the El Monte Union High School District in September as students and staff connected with trained emotional support dogs during a series of Paws-to-Share events. The visits offered campus communities a chance to pause, relax, and learn how animal-assisted therapy can foster emotional balance and well-being in a comforting, low-stress environment.
A Calming Presence on Campus
Organized in partnership with Paws-to-Share, a Southern California–based organization that provides certified therapy animals for educational and community settings, the district’s wellness teams hosted sessions designed to support mental health through the simple act of companionship. During each visit, students were invited to spend time with the therapy dogs—petting, talking, or simply sitting beside them—as trained handlers guided the interactions.
Paws-to-Share has built its mission around “bringing pets and people together.” Its program pairs schools and organizations with certified therapy animals screened for calm temperament and social comfort. Handlers are trained to supervise and facilitate meaningful, positive encounters that help participants decompress and reconnect.
For many students, the visits offered a rare chance to slow down in the midst of a busy academic schedule. Counselors across the district said the sessions were designed not only to reduce stress but also to encourage conversations about mental health. “A few minutes with these dogs can shift the entire mood of a room,” one wellness coordinator said. “You see students who walked in tense start to laugh and relax. It reminds them that self-care matters.”
Expanding Support for Student Wellness
The Paws-to-Share visits align with El Monte Union’s broader focus on student well-being and social-emotional support. The district has continued to invest in wellness centers, on-campus mental health services, and programs that help students manage stress and build resilience. Integrating animal-assisted therapy into that framework reflects a creative, evidence-based approach to engagement—one that meets students where they are emotionally.
Across participating campuses, students and staff described the events as uplifting and restorative. Teachers noted calmer classrooms following the sessions, while students expressed appreciation for the opportunity to connect with therapy animals in a safe, supportive space.
A Growing Movement in Schools
Paws-to-Share events have become increasingly popular across schools and colleges throughout Southern California. The organization partners with K–12 districts, universities, and community programs to promote emotional wellness through animal interaction. Each animal is certified and vaccinated, and handlers follow strict safety and supervision protocols to ensure comfort for everyone involved.
For El Monte Union, the September events highlighted the district’s commitment to fostering healthy school environments that prioritize the emotional as well as academic success of students. The sessions offered a simple but powerful message: connection and compassion can be vital tools in building resilience and community.
To learn more about Paws-to-Share and its work with schools, visit paws-to-share.com.
