Fostering growth and connection with our therapy dog teams     

Our programs are evidence-based, trauma-informed, and dedicated to delivering impact. To ensure we are meeting students’ and schools’ needs, we collect data through pre- and post-program evaluations and solicit feedback from stakeholders during programs to help us continually refine our offerings and delivery.  

For schools, special development schools, and libraries, we offer the best of both worlds—you experience the transformative impact of embedding our therapy dog teams as part of your community knowing that safety, welfare, insurance, and other critical considerations in animal-assisted education are held to the highest standard. Our program options also mean that we offer sustainability and long-term commitment to our school and library partnerships. 

In all of our programs, students interact with our therapy dogs with guidance from our compassionate, skilled mentors. Structured (yet flexible) sessions address specific goals, such as emotional regulation, communication skills, literacy, or coping with change, for example. 

Canine Comprehension: Dog Assisted Learning Melbourne

School Programs

(All prices include GST)

A typical school program consists of 10 students attending
one 50-minute session per week over 8 weeks.
Alternative schedule options are also available – see our School Packages.

Communication on the Inside & out

In this program, we teach students the art of effective communication, including verbal and non-verbal cues. We explore body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, and inner voice management, shifting from negativity to positivity.

Target Audience:

  • ADHD, ASD, ODD
  • Neurodiverse students
  • Anxiety
  • Those in need of support in positive communication skills

$4098.14

Friendship & Responsibility

Social and emotional learning (SEL) can help students learn the skills needed to build resilience. It can help them learn to manage emotions, behaviour and relationships with others. It gives students opportunities to learn and practice social skills.

Target Audience:

  • ADHD, ASD, ODD
  • LGBTQI+
  • Refugees or minority groups
  • Anxiety support with friendship or bullying incidents

$4098.14

Embrace the Change

This program aligns with the DET Resilience, Rights and Respectful Relationships (RRRR). It helps students develop social, emotional, and positive relationship skills. We work with students and their teachers to foster connections and happiness in the learning environment.

Target Audience:

  • ADHD, ASD, ODD
  • Anxiety around attending school or working with others
  • Neurodiverse students
  • Those in need of support in positive communication skills

$4098.14

Transition from Primary to Secondary

This program supports wellbeing by assisting students in navigating uncertainties and anxieties. Resilience and overcoming challenges are pivotal in building their social and emotional skills, ensuring a successful transition from primary to secondary school.

Target Audience:

  • Neurotypical and diverse students as they shift from primary to secondary school
  • Students who may experience uncertainties, anxieties, or challenges with this transition

$4098.14

Grief and Loss

A non-judgmental program for participants to process feelings of grief and loss. Animal-assisted intervention helps them process their emotions and allows them space to grow.

Students learn that there are many strategies and people to support us during our sad times.

Target Audience:

  • Students who have lost a loved one
  • Students who have lost a loved pet
  • Students facing parental separation or divorce

$4098.14

Reading Tails

Our Reading Tails program is passionate about instilling a love for books in young people. We focus on boosting confidence and reducing anxiety for reluctant readers.

Using animal-assisted education, we create a comfortable space and offer short bursts of reading, incentives, book selection, and social interactions.

Target Audience:

  • Reluctant readers
  • Students developing foundation literacy skills
  • Anxious readers

$4098.14

School Packages

(All prices include GST)

Each week, a therapy dog and mentor visit your school for one full day per week, supporting groups of students through your choice of programs over 8 weeks.

Programs Galore

Each week, a therapy dog and mentor visit your school supporting three groups of students through your choice of programs.

Target Outcomes:

  • Full student support

$12,237.92

Canine Chronicles

A therapy dog and mentor visit your school each week for a full day, supporting two groups of students, focusing on engaging literacy and library games, then completing the day with Dog for Half a Day, providing fun literacy activities.

Target Outcomes:

  • Literacy and reading encouragement

$15,444

Experience Connections

Our mentor and therapy dog visit for a full day, supporting two groups of students, focusing on mental health and school cohesion, then completing the day with Dog for Half a Day of fun.

Target Outcomes:

  • Wellbeing and school cohesion

$15,444

Innovative Educator Packages

These packages are designed to guide schools to integrate therapy dogs and animal-assisted learning – at your pace, on your terms.

Mini Innovative Educator: $3,500
Full Innovative Educator: $17,954.56

Library Programs

(All prices include GST)

A typical library program consists of 10 students attending one 50-minute session per week over 8 weeks.

Reading Tails

Our Reading Tails program is passionate about instilling a love for books in young people. We focus on boosting confidence and reducing anxiety for reluctant readers.

Using dog-assisted learning, we create a comfortable space and offer short bursts of reading, incentives, book selection, and social interactions.

Target Outcomes:

  • Reluctant readers
  • Students developing foundation literacy skills
  • Anxious readers

$4,098.14

Our Library Community

Libraries are vital anchors of community life, offering a unique “third place” beyond home and work. This program encourages students to embrace this space, interact with our therapy dogs, and foster a sense of community. Students explore the library’s rich informational, educational, cultural, and social offerings.

Target Outcomes:

  • Literacy and reading encouragement
  • Socially hesitant children
  • Children facing academic challenges

$4,098.14

School Holiday Programs

Designed to provide children with an enriching and fun-filled experience, to develop essential life skills while ensuring that learning is exciting and engaging.

Target Communities:

  • Schools
  • Libraries
  • Community Centers
  • Youth Organisations
  • Childcare Facilities
  • Special Needs Programs
  • Local Councils

Price on enquiry

Canine Comprehension: Dog Assisted Learning Melbourne

How do students and schools benefit from our therapy dog programs? 

  • Personalised attention: Small group settings ensure participants feel safe and secure, leading to self-discovery and growth. 
  • Confidence building: The opportunity to tackle new challenges (with support) leads to increased feelings of self-worth and achievement, as well as more positive attitudes towards school. Shifting the focus to our therapy dogs also facilitates tough conversations, helping students build their sense of self. 
  • Mindfulness tools to ease anxiety and boost learning readiness: Students learn practical, easy-to-use techniques to stay present, reduce stress, and manage their emotions effectively. This prepares them to learn as they return to their school day. 
  • Social and interpersonal skill development: Participants develop essential social skills, learn to recognise and manage their emotions, and cultivate empathy for others. As a result, they build stronger connections within their learning environment. 
  • Qualified, skilled mentors and exemplary therapy dogs: Our animal-assisted education experts (who we call mentors) hold qualifications in education, allied health, or social work, as well as Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) certification. Above all, our team is passionate about supporting young people. 
  • Award-winning excellence: As a result of our dedication and impact, Canine Comprehension has received numerous awards over the years. Parents, teachers, and the Department of Education hold us in high regard, as apparent in our testimonials. More important than any award to us though is the number of smiles we see on faces!

Ready to book a program?

For a day, the term, or an entire year, we offer a program to suit your needs.

Please read our FAQs and our bookings, cancellation & pricing policy before booking a school or library program.


Interested in funding options?

Our programs are approved on the Victorian Government’s School Mental Health Menu, making it easier for schools to access funding.