What is a L.E.A.P.® Therapy Dog Team?
A therapy dog team consists of one dog and his/her handler. Therapy dogs are owned by our volunteers and are specifically trained to perform quality pet therapy mentoring and tutoring for children when accompanied by their owners.

L.E.A.P.® uses Pet Partner teams—volunteers with registered therapy animals that are tested and trained for temperament, skills, and health. Children who have participated in programs like L.E.A.P. have shown dramatic gains in reading levels and impressive improvement in self-esteem and other social skills, as well.

Benefits of the L.E.A.P.® program:
• Children improve their reading skills in a unique and fun environment
• Children forget their limitations and develop a “can-do” attitude
• Tutoring is flexible and easy to implement
• Animals show how they can make a positive difference in children's lives
• Tutors provide individualized instruction

How can my child participate in the L.E.A.P.® program?

Currently, L.E.A.P. teams mentor in several local schools and at the Rehoboth Public Library.  You can contact the Rehoboth Public Library (302-227-8044) for more information regarding the L.E.A.P. program at the library.  For additional information about L.E.A.P., email:

Literacy Education Assistance Pups – L.E.A.P.®-  is composed of a dedicated group of volunteers, based in Lewes, Delaware, who strive to increase the quality of reading education for the students in our community through the use of trained therapy dogs. The goal of the L.E.A.P. program is to improve the literacy skills of children, and grow their enthusiasm for reading, through the assistance of therapy dog teams as literacy mentors. The presence of a L.E.A.P. dog creates an inviting and motivating reading environment. Specifically, a L.E.A.P. dog is nonjudgmental, comfortable, and FUN!  Reading sessions can take place in local schools, libraries, and other settings.