EA Paws Program Now Active In All D131 Schools

Comfort dogs brought to East Aurora schools to support students' emotional well-being and reduce stress and anxiety.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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East Aurora School District 131 has expanded its EA Paws program, which brings certified comfort dogs into every school in the district, as part of an ongoing effort to support students' emotional well-being, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote a positive school climate.

Why it matters

The EA Paws program reflects the district's commitment to addressing the whole child and creating schools where every student feels supported, connected, and cared for. The program aims to provide students with opportunities to build coping skills, regulate emotions, and develop positive connections within their school community.

The details

The EA Paws program launched in 2023 through a partnership with the nonprofit organization Healing Hearts, which trains and certifies comfort dogs and their handlers. Healing Hearts' rigorous training program ensures that each dog is temperament-tested, professionally trained, and paired with a dedicated staff handler. The program provides ongoing guidance, certification standards, and continued professional development to maintain the highest level of safety, structure, and effectiveness.

  • The EA Paws program launched in 2023.
  • As of January 2026, every school in East Aurora has an active EA Paws team.

The players

East Aurora School District 131

The school district that has implemented the EA Paws program in all of its schools.

Healing Hearts

A nonprofit organization dedicated to training and certifying comfort dogs and their handlers to serve schools, hospitals, first responders, and community organizations.

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The takeaway

The EA Paws program demonstrates how schools can leverage the power of comfort dogs to support students' emotional well-being and create a more positive and inclusive learning environment. This initiative reflects a growing trend in education to address the holistic needs of students and promote their overall well-being.