Animal-Assisted Intervention (AAI)
Animal-assisted interventions are goal oriented, evidence based and structured interventions that intentionally and ethically incorporate animals in health, education and human service for the purpose of therapeutic gains and improved health and wellness. Animal-assisted therapy (AAT), animal-assisted education (AAE) and animal-assisted activities (AAA) are all forms of animal-assisted interventions. In all these interventions, the animal may be part of a volunteer therapy animal team working under the direction of a professional or an animal that belongs to the professional him/herself.
This podcast episode is a conversation with three of the DCSD innovators who established the AAI program. They tell how specially trained, four-legged friends provide gentle, empathetic, tail-wagging support that keeps students in school, opening their hearts and then their minds to overcome many kinds of difficulties.
Featuring:
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Ellen Kerkhoff, DCSD Mental Health Team Lead
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Dani Morrison, Social Worker at Plum Creek Academy and caretaker/partner of Betty the therapy dog
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Laura Wilson, DCSD Behavior Specialist for the Ponderosa High School feeder and caretaker/partner of Daphne the therapy dog
If you have questions about DCSD Animal Assisted Interventions, contact Stephanie Crawford-Goetz or Ellen Kerkhoff.
If you have questions about Animal Assisted Interventions and/or would like to implement a program with a certified therapy dog in your building, please contact Laura Wilson.
Implement/continue an AAI program
DCSD AAI - Program Request Form - *No longer accepting request forms for the 25/26 school year
The 2026-2027 Program Request Form will be available July 27, 2026.
Please review the AAI Implementation Guide and Procedures Manual (above) prior to completing the form.
All new DCSD staff therapy dog teams are required to attend a New Team Course prior to receiving final approval to start a program.
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This course is held once per semester. To be included in our next course, please set up an initial consult meeting by emailing Laura Wilson.
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Next New Team Course - Monday, August 10th - Noon-4:00pm @ Saddle Ranch Elementary School
Request a one time visit with a DCSD certified therapy dog
DCSD Event-Therapy Dog Request Form
To include a DCSD certified therapy dog at a one time event, please complete the form above.
Please review the DCSD Therapy Dog Event Guidance to support your planning.
If you have questions regarding Service Dogs, please contact DCSD Human Resources.
