N.J. Assembly Bill 1165, a measure that could create a pet therapy pilot program in public elementary schools across New Jersey. Therapy dogs in schools have been shown to promote reduced stress, anxiety, and depression among students, while enhancing their overall well-being and academic engagement.

Pich, assistant director and founding department head of the Shreiber Family Pet Therapy Program of Rowan University, said the proposal deserves careful safeguards to protect students, staff and the animals involved. She framed her testimony around measurable benefits documented by the program and by outside studies, which highlight the positive impact of therapy dogs on emotional regulation and motivation.

At the hearing Pich noted the scale of the Shreiber program, which includes 60 animals — 30 dogs and 30 people — working in therapeutic roles. She described outcomes the program tracks, saying interactions with therapy dogs reduce physiological stress and support social-emotional learning. These benefits align with findings that suggest therapy dog interactions often lead to lower heart rates and diminished stress hormones in students.

“I strongly support Bill A1165, with safeguards to protect students, teachers, administrators, and the working animals,” Pich told lawmakers. She pointed to research on stress hormones when she added: “The effects are significant. One study found a 23% average decrease in cortisol levels in students after interacting with therapy dogs.” In fact, similar studies at campuses have reported lower levels of perceived stress among students when therapy dogs are present.

Pich also described how nonverbal interaction can reach students who struggle to communicate. “Dogs don’t require words to communicate, which is powerful for children who struggle to communicate,” she said, attributing that dynamic to the program’s day-to-day work at Rowan. This non-verbal communication aspect is crucial as it fosters feelings of social support and belonging among students.

Her testimony referenced organizations that shape practice and credentialing, including the Alliance of Therapy Dogs and the Association of Animal Assisted Intervention Professionals, which the program looks to when certifying handler-dog teams and refining protocols. Pich urged lawmakers to build any pilot around those existing standards so schools have clear guidance for selection, training, and oversight. Schools looking to initiate their own programs should assess policy readiness and obtain necessary administrative approvals for animals on campus.

Speakers at the committee also invoked local examples where therapy dogs have been used in schools; the testimony noted Absecon Schools as a district mentioned in that context. Rowan’s program was founded with support tied to Gerry Shreiber, identified in testimony as the founder and former CEO of J&J Snack Foods, whose name is attached to the Shreiber Family Pet Therapy Program at the university.

Pich described a range of benefits her team measures: reductions in anxiety and stress, gains in emotional regulation, and improvements in academic engagement and social skills. She said therapy-dog interactions lower heart rate, blood pressure, and stress hormones while boosting confidence and motivation — findings that the program uses when advising districts considering animal-assisted services. Moreover, therapy dog programs represent an opportunity for students to develop emotional resilience and enhance social interactions.

The bill would authorize a pilot model for public elementary schools across New Jersey; proponents say a limited rollout would allow districts to test policies on consent, scheduling, and animal welfare before broader adoption. Pich said the pilot should include specific safeguards for students, teachers, and the animals themselves, and should rely on credentialing and oversight from recognized professional bodies.

Dan Dooley, identified as Superintendent of Absecon Schools, was listed among participants and stakeholders cited during testimony, reflecting local district interest in structured programs. The hearing also referenced Ralphie, described in testimony as an ASPCA Dog of the Year and Therapy Dog Ambassador for the National Dog Show, as an example of the types of animals that can serve in these roles.

Advocates at the hearing argued a pilot would let districts balance benefits and logistical concerns while observing standards developed by organizations such as the Alliance of Therapy Dogs and the Association of Animal Assisted Intervention Professionals. Schools can also prepare by forming planning teams to outline policies and best practices for their future therapy dog programs.

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