Studen​ts in the Brandywine Heights Area School District are starting the school year with some new furry friends by their side. Thanks to the Brandywine Heights Education Foundation, the District will officially launch Paws in the Halls, a new therapy dog program! The program brings certified therapy dogs into the school environment to provide comfort, reduce anxiety, and foster connection among students and staff.

 

Three dogs—Toby, a Golden Retriever, Maple, a Havanese-Poodle mix, and Gus, an English Bulldog  — will be gradually introduced throughout the 2025–2026 school year. 

Toby will primarily support students at the Intermediate and Middle School buildings, while Maple will spend time in the Elementary School and Gus will be settling in at our High School!

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The Brandywine Heights Education Foundation is proud to provide funding for training, certification, insurance, and supplies for our dogs and their handlers. The program will begin with short weekly visits and expand over time based on student needs and building schedules.

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Paws in the Halls reflects the District’s ongoing commitment to supporting the whole child and creating safe, welcoming environments where students can thrive.