Pet-friendly schools in the UAE: Therapy animals help ease student anxiety
In a few UAE schools, students get the chance to bond with their furry and feathered friends right on campus. From dogs and cats to birds, fish, rabbits, and even tortoises, some schools have partnered with local pet nurseries or set up barns to bring animals closer to children.
While each school has its own approach, more pet-friendly campuses are popping up across the country. School leaders have found that having animals on-site can be a powerful way to support student mental health, creating a calming atmosphere that helps reduce anxiety, relieve stress, and promote overall well-being.
A therapeutic connection with animals
Parita Patira, Head of the Foundation Stage at Amity School Dubai, explains: “The experience of petting, feeding, and interacting with animals has a therapeutic effect, bringing joy and relaxation to students, especially the younger ones.”
She adds, “We regularly collaborate with Posh Paws Kennels and Cattery to bring farm animals and birds to our school.
These sessions are carefully planned, with all the animals kept in safe enclosures and accompanied by professional handlers. The children can feed and pet them safely, which helps them connect with nature and develop empathy, responsibility, and a sense of calm.”
Organizing such events requires following guidelines and getting approval from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) or other regulators, depending on the emirate. “We ensure all safety protocols are followed to provide a secure and enriching experience for both students and animals,” says Patira.
Bringing happiness and calm to students
School principals have observed that animals on campus help students, particularly younger ones, feel calmer and happier. Wayne Howsen, Principal of The Aquila School, shares, “At our school, we have rabbits, fish, a parrot named Aquila, and her feathered friends. We also have weekly visits from Ron, the dog. Students even set up feeding stations for the cats that regularly visit our campus.”
This approach has been especially beneficial for younger students, who tend to feel more secure and comfortable in the presence of animals. Many schools are now planning to expand their facilities to accommodate even more animals, given the positive impact they’ve seen.
Carmella Jodrell, Head of Primary at The English College, says, “We have a well-being dog that visits the school. He’s small, well-trained, and great with children who suffer from anxiety or face language challenges. His presence offers them real comfort.”
Sharjah's first forest school and school farm
In November 2023, GEMS Wesgreen International School in Sharjah launched the emirate’s first forest school and school farm. James McDonald, Principal and CEO of the school, explains, “We’ve taken a proactive approach to student well-being by integrating animals and nature into our learning environment.”
The school’s farm is home to a variety of animals, including goats, rabbits, tortoises, pigeons, hens, and exotic birds like cockatiels, finches, and peacocks. “We worked closely with SPEA to ensure we met all necessary regulations and guidelines, creating a safe and enriching environment for both our students and the animals,” says McDonald.
He adds, “Through this experience, our students have developed a stronger sense of empathy, responsibility, and environmental awareness—essential skills that will benefit them throughout their lives.”
By incorporating animals into the school environment, these institutions are not only creating a sense of calm and joy but also fostering important life skills in their students.
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