Educational programs for the community
Learning with animals opens hearts and builds more empathetic communities. Discover how we bring therapy animals closer to children, schools and community centers.
Activities in schools and kindergartens
The program “Kids Love Animals” brings interactive workshops to schools, kindergartens or at the Dog Assist center.
Through play and direct experiences, children discover animals as learning partners and develop essential life skills: empathy, responsibility and respect.
These workshops are not just “cute” meetings with therapy dogs. They are carefully designed to address real needs in the school community:
- Bullying prevention and managing aggression - children learn to recognize emotions, find alternatives to violent behaviors and collaborate better
- Inclusion and belonging - activities help shy or marginalized children integrate into the group through shared tasks with therapy dogs
- Learning through play - age-appropriate, practical and fun exercises that keep children engaged and create positive interaction contexts
- Developing empathy and responsibility - the child-animal bond becomes a model of respect, care and cooperation.
Each workshop is a step towards a safer, more empathetic and friendlier school and community.
Circle of Security - Classroom program
The Circle of Security - classroom version is an international program based on attachment theory,
which Dog Assist brings to schools and kindergartens to support teachers, educators and caregivers.
Why it matters:
The early years are essential for child development. This is when the foundation for long-term learning, emotional balance and relationships with others is built.
Teachers play a key role in creating a safe environment where children feel seen, heard and supported.
- Provides a clear, research-based framework for understanding children’s emotional needs
- Helps teachers manage relationship difficulties more effectively
- Supports the development of socio-emotional skills (empathy, self-regulation, cooperation)
- Contributes to reducing bullying and creating a safe classroom climate
The result? Better prepared teachers, more confident children, and classrooms where learning and relationships grow together.
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Keep Calm with Dogs (KCWD)
For over 11 years, Dog Assist has organized the “Keep Calm with Dogs” program, one of the most loved initiatives in the academic environment.
During exam sessions, when stress peaks, students and teachers are invited to spend time with our therapy dogs and/or alpacas.
Simple contact with an animal - a touch, a gentle look, or a few minutes of play - reduces stress, improves concentration, and promotes well-being.
How it works:
- Dedicated spaces in university campuses where participants interact freely with therapy dogs
- Guided sessions by canine handlers and psychologists or social workers to ensure safety and quality
- Short, relaxing activities that provide a welcome break between exams and classes
The result? More relaxed students and teachers, with better emotional resources to face academic challenges.
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Visits in community centers
Not all children, youth or seniors can come to our center, so we go to them.
The Dog Assist team organizes special activities in educational and social centers, bringing joy and support where it is needed most.
Over the past 10+ years, we have visited:
- Family-type homes and day centers where children discover friendship and empathy with therapy dogs and alpacas
- Hospitals, where even a few minutes with animals reduce anxiety and make waiting easier
- Senior centers, where animals bring back memories, smiles and a sense of belonging
Each visit is a moment of connection where the human-animal bond becomes a bridge to calm, trust and community.
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Workshops and educational sessions
At Dog Assist, workshops are opportunities for children, parents, professionals and the community to learn, connect and express themselves -
always supported by therapy dogs and alpacas.
Examples of activities:
- Wool felting - creative activities with natural materials
- Moms & toddlers - interactive meetings that strengthen parent-child bonding through play and animal-assisted activities
- “Are we ready to adopt a pet?” - educational workshops for families to understand adoption responsibilities
- Treats for kids & dogs - fun and tasty sessions where kids prepare snacks for themselves and their furry friends
- Intro course in Animal Assisted Services - accessible presentation for professionals and curious participants
- Step by Step - foundations of bonding with your dog, focused on trust and cooperation rather than control
- Volunteering with your pet - learn how to prepare and involve your own dog or cat in community initiatives, respecting their well-being
Every workshop is designed as an experience combining play, learning and authentic human-animal bonding.
Register nowDog Assist Educational Programs
Contact us to organize an educational or community activity tailored for your group.
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