Animal Therapy Program
Need to de-stress?
Stress is the #1 health-related impediment to academic success as reported by KU students on the 2023 National College Health Assessment.
Animal therapy (therapy dogs) offers a wide range of benefits for both mental and physical health. It can reduce stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, loneliness as well as increase mood-elevating hormones, mental stimulation, and provide a relaxing and social atmosphere with fellow Jayhawks.
HERO partners with a local organization to provide therapy dogs. There are two signature animal therapy programs offered throughout the semester:
- Pause 4 Pups – Offered every other week at different Housing locations from 7-8 pm. This is open for all students to attend; furthermore, students do not have to live in University Housing to participate.
- Stress Busting Study Breaks – Offered in Anschutz and Watson Libraries as well as other locations as determined the week prior and week of finals. Times will vary depending on location.
KU departments and student organizations may request therapy dogs for an event on campus from HERO. Details and compliance are outlined in the Animals in Buildings Policy.
If you have questions about the program, please contact Cheleia Marshall at cheleia.marshall@ku.edu.