Farmington's Education and Therapy Canine Helpers

Welcome to FETCH: Farmington's Education and Therapy Canine Helpers, a transformative program launched in Fall 2024 to enhance the educational experience within Farmington Public Schools. Focused on promoting the emotional, academic, and social well-being of our students, our therapy dogs play a vital role in fostering a supportive and positive learning environment for all. Research shows that therapy animals can reduce anxiety, improve focus, and boost overall academic success, making a significant impact on students' emotional health. 

About Our Dogs:

• Breed: Labrador Retrievers, known for their friendly and gentle temperament.
• Training: Each dog undergoes 9-12 months of specialized training to ensure they are well-prepared for the school environment.
• Ownership: All therapy dogs are owned by the district, but are entrusted to a trained staff member who serves as the dogs primary handler.
• Interaction Training: Staff and students receive training on how to interact safely and effectively with the therapy dogs, fostering positive relationships and enhancing the program's impact.

Our long-term vision is to ensure that every building within Farmington Public Schools has its own therapy dog, creating a nurturing space where all students can thrive and reach their full potential.  With the support of several generous sponsors, we’re able to cover veterinarian costs, grooming, and other essentials for the dogs.  We are always looking for additional sponsors and funding as we work towards expanding the FETCH program.