With their calm demeanor and fluffy bodies, therapy dogs are on many campuses to help ease students’ stress or anxiety.
While Pierce had therapy dogs during finals last year, therapy dogs should be around to help people throughout the year.
Therapy dogs are not considered service dogs under the guidelines of the American Disabilities Act, but a National Institute of Health study showed that the use of therapy dogs for university students helped with their mental state.
“The use of therapy dogs for university students has shown significant reductions in outcome measures of psychological and physiological stress,” the NIH wrote.
Los Angeles Valley College also had an event with therapy dogs on Feb. 7, 2024.
Therapy dogs are dogs used to provide emotional support to individuals in a variety of settings, according to the United States Disability Services Foundation.
While this is true, it’s important to consider other people’s perspectives of having such canines on campus.
Concerns and risks include allergies and fear of dogs among students, potential disruptive behavior and incidents such as bites or scratches, according to Educational Wave.
These factors can easily be resolved through proper training and clear guidelines, which most hired therapy dogs go through before going to a school campus or other setting. In addition, therapy dogs enter with consent from the school. They are not allowed to enter any campus without the proper paperwork. Schools that invite therapy dogs to their campus tend to have liability coverage for any incidents involving a therapy dog, coverage for potential damage caused by the therapy dog and also ensure that the dog handler is covered as well.
Some ideas on how to bring this service back to Pierce is through the non-profit organization Love on 4 Paws, which Cal State LA also uses as one of its resources on campus. Love On 4 Paws works to make a positive difference for those in need through animal-assisted therapy. Volunteers accomplish this by sharing the joy, comfort and healing power of their pet’s unconditional love, according to Love on 4 Paws.
Santa Monica City College has a link to therapy dog services on its website that also provides information on how the therapy dog services work.
Many studies have shown that having students interact with therapy dogs produces a number of favorable outcomes. The most significant outcome is the reduction of stress and anxiety, which is typical in first-year students, as well as during midterms and finals.
There is also a reduction of homesickness and a boost in overall mood and happiness, according to Psychology Today.
Pierce should increase the amount of time they bring therapy dogs to campus throughout the year.
