OPS Therapy Dogs

​The Owasso Public Schools therapy dog program began as a pilot in the fall of 2024 at two sites and has since grown to include seven therapy dogs across the District. This initiative was identified through the District’s Continuous Strategic Improvement Plan, a five-year plan completed in 2023 that reflects feedback and input from families, staff, and community members throughout Owasso.

The OPS therapy dog program is site-driven, meaning participation begins at the campus level through the support of principals and staff. Therapy dogs are owned and cared for by their handlers, not the District, and each therapy dog team—made up of a handler and dog—is certified through a recognized therapy dog training organization, including the Canine Good Citizen program.

Therapy dogs in OPS help create a positive school experience by offering comfort, easing stress and anxiety, and providing a calm, welcoming presence for students and staff each day.