AARF! is an innovative Animal Assisted Therapy Program currently offered in the Coquitlam School District in British Columbia, Canada. The program partners students with dogs (who are tested for health, safety and temperament) and skilled volunteer facilitators, providing students additional non-judgmental, fun and safe opportunities for reading practice. Students read to the same dog partner (and facilitator) for approximately 30 minutes over eight to ten weeks.

Similar programs that pair students with dogs in an academic setting have found positive effects, not just on student reading and communication skills, but also in boosting confidence and social skills.