Pet Therapy with John Palladino

John Palladino is one of the FDC's Wellness Mini Grant winners from the Fall 2022 semester!

Daily stressors require self-care for one's mental health and wellbeing. The research is clear about how the simple presence of a dog in an educational setting benefits students, teachers, and support staff. Special Education Professor John Palladino is a certified pet therapy handler for his two dogs. As a member of two local pet therapy organizations, he visits local schools and hospitals with his dog. At present, he is conducting a pet therapy research project in a local special education classroom, collecting single-subject data about the positive influence of a dog for time-on-task and behavioral self-regulation interventions. He has also taught his SPEI 360 course with his dog present, allowing his students to experience pet therapy throughout each class session for their own benefit, as well as for enhancing their awareness about the benefits of dogs in the classroom. As part of this research, John is modeling for K-12 teachers and college professors the steps involved with obtaining pet therapy certification and related liability insurance in hopes that more educators consider integrating their dogs into their professional work spaces.

On Wednesday, October 25 from 3:30-5:00PM, the EMU community will have the opportunity to interact with his dog "Kevin," a Toy Fox Terrier on the first floor of Halle Library. Kevin is a very friendly and snuggly dude and would love to make new friends.

If you have any questions, or concerns, please email us at [email protected].