Grade School
What does a school program look like?
It’s completely up to you! We work with each school individually to determine how they would like to incorporate a wellness dog into their learning environment. CAAWLS is privileged to work with many schools in and around Edmonton to provide Animal Assisted Education (AAE) and Animal Assisted Activity (AAA) programs. Most of our school programs consist of the same human-animal teams visiting on a regular basis, and working with a teacher or counselor to meet their goals with their students. Some of these programs focus on improving literacy, social skills, or stress relief.
Interested in starting a program at your school? Contact us!
Have you met Lacie?
Lacie is an 11 year old French Bulldog who became a member of CAAWLS and started going with her mom, Orysia to school to spend time with the elementary students.
Meet Lacie and Orysia
“My name is Orysia and I first started volunteering with CAWWLS 4 years ago. I know how important animals are and their calming effect on people. I was a principal at an elementary school at the time that I started volunteering and then moved to a junior high as principal. I had heard from colleagues how wonderful the CAAWLS program was and how beneficial it was to have a weekly CAAWLS visit. I decided to bring in one of my personal dogs to be certified as I knew she'd be a great fit for the program and for my students. I love volunteering with CAAWLS and exposing students to the program. In my 4 years with CAAWLS, students, staff, families, and visitors have experienced the benefits of weekly CAAWLS visits from Lacie. Lacie and I have had the opportunity to listen to students practice their reading, provide comfort during exams or anxious times for students and for staff. We have had the opportunity to bring people together through a love for animals. We are very thankful to be a part of the CAAWLS team.”
Keep an eye out for Lacie and Orysia during the school year!
Have you met Dallas?
Dallas is a 7 year old Australian Shepherd. He began volunteering in February of 2019 after seeing CAAWLS at the Edmonton Pet EXPO! Dallas regularly volunteers with his dad, Kyle at his school.
Meet Dallas and Kyle
My name is Kyle and I volunteer with my 7 year old Australian Shepherd, Dallas. I saw a CAAWLS booth at the Pet Expo and immediately thought Dallas would be a great fit for the program. We love volunteering because of the positive reactions we get every time we go to a placement and meet new people. Dallas loves all the extra attention he gets and volunteering is great way to spend time with your dog outside of the regular day to day activities we all do with our dogs. When Dallas is not volunteering, his favourite hobbies include visiting dog parks, swimming in the North Saskatchewan River, and spending time on outdoor patios.
Make sure to join us during patio season at our Pups on the Patio events, which take place at various locations in Edmonton and surrounding areas!
Are you a teacher with a dog?
We certified teachers and their dogs to make it easier to fulfil school programs. Apply to get your dog certified today!
Our Partnered Schools
St. Elizabeth School
Balwin School
St. Lucy School
St. Leo School
Boyle Street Education Centre
Ben Calf Robe School
Ecole Leduc Junior High
Ecole Good Shepherd School Okotokes
Westlock Elementary School
St. Edmund School
Ecole Je Lapointe
St. Nicholas School Sherwood Park
Cardinal Collins Millwoods