Incorporating animals into educational settings is gaining recognition as a powerful tool for enhancing student engagement and well-being. Schools and educational programs worldwide are introducing animals into classrooms, therapy sessions, and outdoor learning environments to create more student-centred education experiences. Whether through therapy dogs, classroom pets, or farm programs, animals offer numerous benefits that support academic achievement and emotional health.
How Animals Enhance Student Engagement
Many students struggle with traditional learning methods, leading to disengagement and a lack of motivation. Animals in the classroom can make lessons more interactive and enjoyable. When students have opportunities to interact with animals, they often show increased enthusiasm for learning.
For example, reading programs with therapy dogs have been found to encourage reluctant readers by providing a non-judgmental audience. The simple presence of an animal can transform an otherwise stressful task into an enjoyable experience. Similarly, science lessons that involve caring for animals make abstract concepts more tangible and engaging for students.
Encouraging Responsibility and Routine
Caring for animals teaches students valuable life skills such as responsibility, patience, and empathy. When students take on roles in feeding, cleaning, and monitoring animals, they develop a sense of accountability. This hands-on approach reinforces routine and structure, which can be especially beneficial for students who struggle with self-discipline or focus.
Specialist programs that integrate animal care into education—such as those run by Fairbridge Education—allow students to develop real-world skills that extend beyond the classroom. Whether it’s looking after farm animals or participating in wildlife conservation projects, these experiences provide practical knowledge alongside traditional learning.
The Emotional and Psychological Benefits of Animals in Schools
Students today face significant academic pressures and social challenges, leading to high levels of stress and anxiety. Research shows that interactions with animals help lower cortisol (a stress hormone) and promote the release of oxytocin, which is associated with relaxation and emotional bonding.
Therapy animals in schools provide comfort and emotional support, helping students manage stress. Petting or simply being near an animal has been found to lower heart rates and blood pressure, creating a calmer learning environment. This is particularly beneficial for students with anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, or other special educational needs.
Boosting Emotional Well-Being
The companionship of animals can significantly enhance a student’s emotional well-being. Animals provide unconditional acceptance, making them excellent companions for students who may struggle with social connections. Many students find it easier to express their emotions to an animal than to a teacher or peer, making animals an important outlet for emotional regulation.
Schools implementing animal-assisted interventions have reported improvements in student mood, reduced feelings of loneliness, and increased overall happiness. Programs that involve therapy dogs, rabbits, or even horses provide students with a safe space to process their emotions while building self-confidence and self-worth.
Social Benefits: Fostering Connections and Collaboration
Animals in education settings can act as social catalysts, helping students form connections with their peers. Many students who struggle with social skills find it easier to interact when an animal is present. The shared responsibility of caring for an animal promotes teamwork and collaboration, reinforcing positive social behaviours.
In student-centred education settings where animals are included, students often work together to solve problems, take care of the animals, and learn from one another. This can be particularly beneficial for children who experience social anxiety or difficulty making friends.
Supporting Students with Special Needs
For students with special educational needs, animals can provide tailored support. Programs using therapy animals have shown significant improvements in communication skills, sensory regulation, and behavioural challenges.
For example, children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience difficulties with sensory processing and communication. Therapy dogs and other support animals provide a calming presence that helps these students feel more comfortable and engaged. Similarly, students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may benefit from structured interactions with animals that help improve focus and patience.
Animals as a Tool for Holistic Learning
Student-centred education prioritises experiential learning, and incorporating animals into lessons provides an ideal way to make education more hands-on. Lessons involving animals allow students to engage multiple senses, improving information retention and comprehension.
For instance, agricultural education programs teach students about animal care, environmental sustainability, and food production. These practical experiences give students a deeper understanding of ecological systems and foster a sense of environmental responsibility. Similarly, psychology and biology lessons can be enriched by studying animal behaviour and physiology in real-time.
Developing Empathy and Compassion
Interacting with animals helps students develop empathy, a crucial skill for both personal and professional life. When students care for animals, they learn to understand the needs and emotions of another living being, fostering a sense of compassion and kindness.
Schools that incorporate animal-assisted learning report that students demonstrate more respectful behaviour, increased patience, and a greater awareness of how their actions affect others. These qualities contribute to a more positive school culture and prepare students for future social and professional relationships.
Fairbridge Education: Leading the Way in Animal-Assisted Learning
Fairbridge Education recognises the value of animals in student-centred education and has implemented programs that integrate animal interaction into learning environments. By providing opportunities for students to engage with animals through farm-based learning, therapy programs, and wildlife conservation, Fairbridge Education fosters personal development and career readiness.
These programs not only improve academic outcomes but also equip students with valuable life skills that extend beyond traditional schooling. By blending education with practical experience, Fairbridge Education ensures that students are prepared for future careers while maintaining strong emotional and social well-being.
The Future of Education: A More Inclusive, Engaging Approach
As education continues to evolve, incorporating animals into learning environments presents a promising approach to improving student engagement and well-being. The benefits of animal-assisted learning are clear: increased motivation, reduced stress, stronger social connections, and the development of critical life skills.
Student-centred education approaches that prioritise well-being and engagement should consider the powerful role that animals can play in fostering a positive and effective learning environment. Schools and educational institutions that embrace this model will not only see better academic outcomes but also contribute to the overall happiness and success of their students.
By integrating animals into education, we create a more inclusive, hands-on, and engaging learning experience—one that truly prepares students for the future, both academically and personally.
