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De-Stress with a Therapy Dog!

During Finals Semester, UWG Library plans to bring a therapy dog to the library to help students relax and de-stress. The friendly pet will help students finish the semester and get through their final exams and projects!

Therapy Dogs and Academic Libraries

The Impact of Therapy Dogs on Student Well-Being in Academic Libraries

Therapy dogs have become a beloved feature in many academic libraries across the country, serving as a vital resource for promoting student well-being, especially during periods of high stress. These programs have been implemented in response to the increasing demand for mental health support on campuses, with libraries playing a key role in addressing this need. The introduction of therapy dogs not only provides students with emotional relief but also offers an opportunity to engage with the library as a welcoming space for academic and personal support.

The benefits of therapy dogs in libraries are well-documented, particularly during finals week, when stress levels are at their peak. Libraries such as Montana State University’s have embraced this initiative through their "Paws to De-Stress" program, which partners with Intermountain Therapy Animals to bring therapy dogs to the library at the end of each semester. This allows students to unwind, recharge, and take a break from the pressures of academic life. The program exemplifies the impact therapy dogs can have, not only by reducing stress but by creating an inviting atmosphere where students can relax and feel supported by the institution.

Research supports these observations, showing that interactions with therapy dogs can significantly reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Jalongo and McDevitt’s study highlights that therapy dogs in libraries help foster student engagement while mitigating self-reported stress. As they note, "Interacting with therapy dogs can create a sense of calm, offering students a break from the rigors of study." This calming effect, combined with the joy these animals bring, helps students cope with the mental pressures that often accompany their academic journeys.

At Ingram Library at the University of West Georgia, therapy dogs have made a significant impact on the student body. The program began in April 2022, with the introduction of Barnaby, a certified therapy dog. Barnaby quickly became a favorite among students, bringing joy and alleviating stress during crucial times. His presence at the library has been met with overwhelmingly positive feedback. As one student reflected, "I have to pretend to be completely put together and even-keeled most of the time. Petting this dog allows me a brief moment to let go of this performance," emphasizing the emotional release that therapy dogs provide. Another student remarked, "My stress level went down so quickly," illustrating how these furry companions offer immediate relief from tension.

In February 2024, Ingram Library welcomed a second therapy dog, Carrie, further expanding the reach of the program. The success of therapy dog events at Ingram Library mirrors that of other institutions, with students expressing their gratitude and joy in engaging with the dogs. Barnaby, in particular, has been described as "the sweetest dog ever" and "such a good boy." His friendly demeanor has not only brought smiles to students’ faces but has also created a supportive environment where students feel comfortable and cared for. The emotional bond that therapy dogs foster helps students manage their stress and anxiety, allowing them to better focus on their studies.

In addition to offering emotional support, therapy dogs help increase engagement with the library itself. A blog post about a university library's therapy dog event noted that more than 10% of the student body attended over two nights, with many visiting the library for the first time. This reflects a broader trend: therapy dog events often attract students who might not otherwise engage with the library, giving the institution a unique opportunity to introduce them to academic resources and services. At Ingram Library, Barnaby and Carrie have had a similar effect, bringing new students into the library and highlighting the library’s role not just as a place of study but as a hub of holistic student support. Therapy dogs help transform the library into a space where students feel safe and cared for, fostering a sense of connection to the broader campus community.

The therapeutic benefits of therapy dogs extend beyond simply reducing stress. Studies have shown that interactions with animals can lead to measurable physiological changes, such as reduced blood pressure and heart rates. Vormbrock and Grossberg’s research into the cardiovascular effects of human-animal interactions found that “petting a dog is associated with lower blood pressure and heart rates,” contributing to an overall sense of relaxation and well-being. This physical response complements the emotional relief students feel when they spend time with therapy dogs, making these programs an invaluable resource for promoting both mental and physical health.

Moreover, therapy dog events foster social connections among students. These events create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where students can engage with one another, share experiences, and bond over their love for the animals. As seen in initiatives like Emory University’s therapy dog program, which invites students to relax with therapy dogs during finals, these interactions contribute to a supportive campus culture. Students who may be feeling isolated or overwhelmed find comfort not only in the presence of the therapy dogs but also in the sense of community these events help cultivate.

Ingram Library’s commitment to bringing therapy dogs to its students reflects a broader understanding of the importance of mental health and well-being in academic success. As institutions like the University of Texas at Arlington and Montana State University have shown, therapy dog programs are not only a source of comfort but also a way to enhance student engagement with the library and its resources. These programs help students navigate the challenges of academic life with a little more joy and a lot less stress.

As libraries continue to prioritize student wellness, therapy dogs will remain a cherished and important facet of academic support. By offering emotional and mental health benefits, drawing students into the library, and fostering a sense of community, therapy dogs help create an environment where students can thrive—academically, emotionally, and socially. This, in turn, supports one of the most critical goals in higher education: improving graduation rates. When students feel supported and less overwhelmed by stress, they are more likely to stay on track academically, seek help when needed, and persist through challenging times. By addressing the mental health needs that often impact academic performance, therapy dog programs can play a vital role in helping students not only survive but succeed, ultimately contributing to increased retention and graduation rates.  In this way, therapy dogs serve as more than just a momentary relief; they become part of a broader effort to ensure that students have the support they need to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

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