Therapy Animals on College Campuses: A Growing Trend
On college campuses across the U.S., therapy animals are gaining popularity. Studies indicate that just 10 minutes of interaction with animals can significantly lower cortisol levels, a hormone related to stress. This is likely why more institutions are adopting pet therapy programs.
Oklahoma State University’s Initiative
Oklahoma State University (OSU) launched Pete’s Pet Posse in 2013, pioneering a program that has since expanded to its Tulsa campus. According to Sarah Maxey, the program coordinator, therapy animals provide a variety of wellness benefits, including reduced blood pressure and alleviation of loneliness, which is prevalent among college students.
Pete’s Pet Posse was integrated into OSU’s wellness program to support emotional health for the entire campus community—students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Different departments decide how to utilize their therapy dogs, whether as greeters or in therapeutic settings.
Program Participation and Impact
OSU’s therapy dogs, easily recognized by their tartan vests, represent a growing community with around 30 active dogs on the Tulsa campus alone. Maxey mentions that while the dogs live with their owners, they serve as volunteers for the university, and families are encouraged to train their pets for this role.
To support the program, OSU offers scholarships to cover training costs. The training lasts about 10 weeks, culminating in the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, which assesses the dog’s ability to interact well in various scenarios. After certification, dogs can officially participate in the therapy program.
Future Expansions
Currently, only dogs are part of the program, but there have been requests to include other animals, including cats and even goats, highlighting the growing interest in diverse therapy options.
Therapy animals at OSU embody a transformative approach to promoting mental health and community well-being on campus.
