Scape Uni - Exam Time

Benefits of Therapy Dogs in Universities

Students can be faced with overwhelming pressures financially and socially whilst at the same time trying to study and transition in to adulthood. Assisted Learning can bring wellbeing benefits to your students and staff.

For many of us, hanging out with a dog can be a lot of fun, but therapy dogs on Uni campuses have shown to have a whole host of benefits for students and staff in schools including:

• Reduced stress and anxiety levels.

• Lower blood pressure and improve heart health.

• Offering something to look forward to during stressful times.

• Improved mental health.

• Offering distractions.

• Helping with homesickness, loneliness, and isolation.

• Could assist with depression.

• Improved mood and oxytocin serotonin levels.

• Reduced levels of cortisol, the stress hormone

Interacting with a dog can help students reduce stress and improve their mood during exam time:

• Stress relief

Therapy dogs can reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, and regulate cortisol levels, the stress hormone.

• Improved mood

Spending time with a dog can improve mood and enhance overall psychological well-being.

• Distraction

Therapy dogs can take students' minds off their classwork and provide a break from studying.

• Movement

Petting a therapy dog can provide an opportunity to get up and move, which can help with retention.

• Re-energized

Therapy dogs can help students feel re-energized and ready to go