Pet Therapy Information

• Thanks to the collective efforts of volunteer pet therapy teams in the greater Grand Forks region, Grand Forks Public Schools can enjoy the benefits these teams provide students and staff in our schools. Please take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the specifics of our pet therapy initiative.

  • Pet therapy teams can be requested for many different locations and experiences in the schools.
    • They may be requested for common areas (entrance to the school, recess areas, school library, etc.).
    • They may be invited in for a classroom visit or to deliver or be a part of a class presentation.
    • Counselors, social workers, and special educators may invite them in to be a part of a small group experience or to meet with an individual student.
    • They could even be invited into areas frequented primarily by staff, such as the school office or teacher’s lounge.
  • Pet therapy teams are volunteers who can not be compensated.
    • The handlers have gone through a background check and have agreed to follow policies for GFPS staff.
  • Personal pets are not allowed in the schools - only dogs recognized as members of the GFPS Pet Therapy teams participate in this program.
    • Teams have undergone testing and observation to be credentialed by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, and dogs are up-to-date with their vaccinations.
    • Pet therapy teams have been issued GFPS volunteer badges.

  If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact Christine Liztinger, mental health Coordinator, at 701-317-4469.

  Therapy Dogs Wanted

  We are looking for therapy dog teams to join our mission to help students in our community. If you're currently in training or have graduated training with your therapy pup, we would love to hear from you!

  Requirements:

  • The dog is credentialed by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs,
  • The dog is updated on all vaccinations, and
  • The handler has completed a background check.

  For more information, please call 701-317-4469 or email espeidel070@mygfschools.org or clitzinger070@mygfschools.org.