School Visits

School Visits from TLC Dogs

Sharing our 4-legged friends to spread smiles.

Why we partner with schools

Nothing brings people together quite like puppies. One of our favorite activities in the community is School Visits - or - “Stress Free Fridays” - where we bring puppies into a school from some relaxation, snuggles, and a little dog education. The best part is seeing students come together over their love of a dog.

This came in response to a growing need from schools for the social and mental health benefits, and the overall joy that our visits brought to students. In all our efforts, we aim to uplift our community and strengthen our bonds through compassion, companionship, and the power of puppies.

What this does for the students

The goal was to alleviate stress during testing weeks. Data from School Visit Questionnaires showed the impact of visits = 53% decrease in stress among students

What this does for the dogs

Read the quotes from faculty below regarding impact these visits have on the dogs and the students.

How Schools Can Get Involved?

School districts visited

Coatesville
Downingtown
Great Valley
Owen J. Roberts
Tredyffrin/Easttown
West Chester
Wallingford-Swarthmore
Westtown School

“It makes everyone's day including the staff as well as students.”

“Thank you for all that you do and the happiness that you share with our students when your dogs come to visit.”

“The students were so excited to see the puppies! There was little to no stress with seeing the puppies and they were so happy to have them visit.”

“The first thing I did when I began the 2023-2024 academic year was to book TLC. We have wellness days built into the Great Valley Middle School calendar, and I cannot think of a better activity than playing with the puppies.”

“I love the excitement when the students see the volunteers and puppies - to have students tell you that the visit made their day is the best. And it is even better when they get adopted!”

“This was the first time we hosted TLC outdoors. Typically, we meet inside. As a result, the students had the chance to run around playing with the dogs. This added a physical element to the visit that we didn't have before. As a result, the kids seemed to have just as much fun as the dogs. They laughed, played, and were noticeably less stressed.”

“The presence of the dogs puts smiles on our student's faces. They are so content and full of happy energy when they leave.”

“This was the 4th time we hosted TLC at Great Valley Middle School. Every time, I have students coming up asking to be allowed in the session after the cap has been met. And on the day of the visit, kids come by all day asking if the dogs have arrived. There is a palpable difference in excitement and positivity in our building every time TLC visits.”