Furry friends in the classroom can be a valuable addition to a school community, says an Education Department spokesperson.

They can provide comfort to students who might be feeling anxious or friendship to those who might be struggling socially, all with one wag of their tail at a time.

"Along with supporting student wellbeing, a support animal can also provide opportunities for students to demonstrate responsibility by caring for the animal," the spokesperson said.

To ensure the safety of both students and the animals, the department has procedures outlining the best way to introduce an animal into the school environment, including ongoing care and training guidelines.

Meet some of the wellbeing dogs supporting students in classroom across SA.

Hugo from Wallaroo Primary School

Hugo (pictured left) was the quietest pup of his litter, making him the perfect choice to join the staff at Wallaroo Primary School.

"My cousin is a dog breeder specialising in farm dogs," the school's principal, Dominica Thomson, said. "She said that she has never bred a pup as quiet as Hugo, who seemed like the perfect dog to work in a school because he wasn't interested in playing with other dogs."

Hugo completed the year-long therapy dog training program for puppies through ‘Therapeutic Dog Services’ and he continues with regular obedience training.

For the past 18 months he has attended the Yorke Peninsula school two days a week, helping children who might need a moment to reset or some extra love.

"He has great classroom manners and listens to commands really well," Ms Thomson said. "It's heartwarming to see the students and Hugo play together at lunch time, it's such a special bond they have."

Check out this cute video of Hugo at the school, where his staff photo hangs proudly in the front office (pictured above).

Ziggy from Taparra Primary School 

Ziggy (pictured right) only started as the wellbeing dog at Taparra Primary at the start of May this year, but Principal Caitlin Manser said that he had already significantly enhanced the school community, providing comfort and support to students.

"We have been blown away by the positive impact Ziggy has already had on our students and in particular our students in our Disability Unit," Ms Manser said.

"We have been so grateful to work alongside Dogs Connect and we are excited to see the positive impact Ziggy will have on our students' overall wellbeing and learning."

Eddie from Kaurna Plains School

Eddie (pictured left) has been at Kaurna Plains School for more than a year and provides support to students all the way from Reception to Year 12.

Acting Principal Natalea Jenkins shared that the school in Adelaide's northern suburbs was aware of the benefits of animal-assisted therapy.

"Eddie is a great help in a multitude of ways, including in small groups or 1:1 to help students with anxiety and/or social issues," she said. "She happily goes into classrooms and spends time with students who need some comforting support so teachers can continue to teach."

Haze from Elliston Area School

Haze is the definition of a rainbow after the rain.

Elliston Area School has faced some hardships within their small community in recent years, following the tragic deaths of much-loved teacher Simon Baccanello and student Nyah Dudley, but Haze has brought nothing but joy and happiness to students and staff.

Last year, Adelaide Hills Groodles ran a state-wide Facebook competition to win one of their new pups. The school's leadership team consulted with students, staff and the governing council before applying.

They were chosen as the winner on a Friday and by the following Tuesday afternoon, Haze's breeders had travelled all the way from the Adelaide Hills to Elliston on the Eyre Peninsula to safely drop him off and meet the community.

Haze initially began working as the school's wellbeing dog a few days a week and is now at the school full time. He spends the weekend at Principal Chad Fleming's home.

"Haze has been an overwhelmingly positive influence at Elliston Area School," Mr Fleming said.

"He just has this tendency to smile at the kids and rest his chin on the knee of the kids who might need his love or attention, particularly with our students with special needs.

"He waits by the school gate with me in the mornings and helps the kids who might be having separation anxiety or fallen off their bike and is the first over giving them licks and wagging his tail."

Dogs aren't just making an important difference in schools, read about how they are also involved in different departments and teams across the public sector here.