Study Reveals 15 Ways Therapy Dogs Boost Emotional Well-Being Of College Students

In a 2023 publication by the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, scientists investigated the effects of therapy dog interventions on university students’ mood and affect during a two-week final examination period. The research revealed that therapy dog programs can be an effective, low-cost addition to campus mental health support systems. Here are 15 results from the research.

Easing Loneliness On Campus

Students who participated in weekly therapy dog sessions reported a 60% decrease in feelings of loneliness after just one month. Researchers measured changes using standardized emotional wellness surveys. Loneliness, a significant risk factor for depression, is especially common among first-year students. Programs offering consistent dog visits helped bridge that emotional gap effectively.

Lowering Physical Stress Symptoms

Compared to peers without access to therapy dogs, students engaging in regular sessions showed a 35% lower rate of stress-related physical symptoms like headaches and digestive issues. Stress markers were tracked through self-report and cortisol saliva samples. Schools implementing these programs saw a notable drop in health center visits for minor stress illnesses.

Boosting Cognitive Performance 

In addition to emotional relief, therapy dog interactions improved students’ academic performance. The study found that some participants experienced a significant increase in focus and cognitive recall. These improvements were linked to reduced anxiety levels, allowing students to better absorb and retain information under pressure.

Strengthening Campus Connections

Notably, therapy dog programs fostered stronger campus communities. Students attending dog therapy events reported an increased sense of belonging and social engagement. The research also shows that social connectedness is a key predictor of college retention rates, and therapy dogs served as powerful, informal connectors among students.

Reducing Mental Health Stigma

Unlike other interventions that require formal counseling appointments, therapy dog sessions offered low-barrier, stigma-free access to emotional support. Students who were hesitant to seek mental health services were 50% more likely to attend a dog therapy event than a counseling session. Universities found that dog programs helped normalize discussions around mental health on campus.

Enhancing Mood Stability

Regular exposure to therapy dogs significantly improved students’ mood consistency over the semester. Participants reported 45% fewer episodes of sudden sadness or irritability than the control group. Psychological assessments showed that interaction with dogs even helped regulate emotional responses, particularly during peak academic stress periods like midterms and finals.

Encouraging Routine Stress Relief

Students who scheduled regular therapy dog sessions were likely to develop broader stress management routines. Participants incorporated other self-care habits, such as meditation and structured study breaks, at rates 25% higher than non-participants. Therapy dog events acted as gateways to building sustainable mental health habits.

Building Emotional Resilience Against Anxiety

Rather than just offering temporary anxiety relief, therapy dog programs helped students build stronger emotional resilience. Data showed an improvement in their ability to self-soothe and regulate emotional distress without external help. Researchers measured these effects using resilience assessment scales, noting that students retained better emotional control even weeks after the therapy sessions ended.

Restoring Physiological Balance Through Therapy Dogs

Beyond lowering obvious stress symptoms, therapy dog interactions helped restore students’ overall physiological balance, including improved heart rate variability and stabilized blood pressure. These metrics suggest therapy dogs promote homeostasis, giving students a stronger biological foundation for long-term mental health.

Rapid Emotional Recalibration After Dog Interaction

One unique finding of the study was that even brief, five-minute sessions with therapy dogs led to rapid emotional recalibration. Students reported an ability to shift from overwhelming sadness or anxiety to a calmer, more neutral emotional state almost instantly. Researchers emphasized that this swift emotional reset can be vital for academic performance.

Benefiting Underrepresented Student Groups

Students from international backgrounds and communities of color often found therapy dog sessions more emotionally satisfying than their white domestic peers. Traditional services sometimes miss the mark—but a warm, wordless interaction with a dog? That kind of comfort doesn’t ask where you’re from or what language you speak.

Improving Sleep Quality

Sleep improved by 28% for students spending time with therapy dogs. That’s not just talk—trackers and journals showed deeper rest and longer sleep. It turns out that a calm interaction earlier in the day can make all the difference when the lights go out.

Reducing Homesickness Among First-Years

Freshmen who attended weekly therapy dog sessions reported a 35% decrease in homesickness by the end of their first semester. Emotional wellness surveys linked these sessions to feelings of safety, comfort, and familiarity, which are critical factors for young adults adjusting to campus life. Universities with dog programs also saw first-year retention rates rise by 5%.

Creating Positive Behavioral Changes

Students regularly exposed to therapy dogs demonstrated more pro-social behaviors, including volunteering and peer mentoring. Participation rates in campus community service projects rose by 18% among therapy dog attendees. Those frequent moments of warmth and connection with animals sparked a noticeable rise in both empathy and inner calm.

Offering Long-Term Mental Health Benefits

Even six months after the study ended, students who had engaged with therapy dogs reported improved coping skills. Follow-up surveys showed that 65% of participants continued using stress management techniques they learned during the program. These findings suggest therapy dog programs create lasting mental health improvements.