Helping children grow, heal, and succeed – with a little help from a paw.
Our Mission
Canine Classmates harnesses the healing and inspiring power of the human–animal bond to help children and vulnerable individuals thrive. Through one-on-one connections with trained service dogs and caring mentors, we foster literacy, confidence, and social skills in struggling and at-risk students from Pre-K to 5th grade. We also stand beside victims of sexual and domestic abuse, providing court facility dogs to offer comfort, reduce trauma, and bring hope during challenging legal journeys. Together, we’re building a stronger, more compassionate Comal County—one wagging tail and one courageous step at a time.
Our Mission
What We Do
Literacy Program
Canine Classmates has been enhancing children’s reading literacy since 2007 by pairing young readers with canine companions in a supportive classroom setting. Serving 27 schools across Comal, New Braunfels and Navarro ISDs and facilitating over 7,000 one-on-one sessions last year, the program helps at-risk students build confidence and enjoy reading by removing intimidation and fear.
Courtroom Program
Canine Classmates provides the Comal County Criminal District Attorney’s Office with court facility dogs who comfort vulnerable victims before, during, and after testifying in criminal cases. By offering unconditional love, calm, and a sense of safety, these dogs help reduce victims’ anxiety, enabling them to share their experiences more openly while also supporting their families.
