Animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) are increasingly recognized for their therapeutic and educational benefits, particularly in the context of college campuses. AAIs encompass a range of activities involving animals, from therapy dog sessions in counseling offices to structured group interactions with bunnies, and even equine-assisted therapy programs. The core principle uniting these diverse approaches is the positive impact of animal interaction on human well-being, addressing various needs from emotional support to educational enhancement. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) categorizes AAIs into three distinct types: animal-assisted therapy, focused on targeted health improvements; animal-assisted activities, aimed at boosting motivation and stress management; and animal-assisted education, which integrates animals into learning environments. It’s crucial to differentiate AAIs from emotional support animals (ESAs) and service animals. ESAs are pets providing comfort for specific medical conditions, while service animals are trained to perform tasks for individuals with disabilities. AAIs, unlike ESAs and service animals, often involve specially trained animals working with multiple individuals in a therapeutic or educational setting.
A 2020 study highlighted the effectiveness of AAIs on college campuses, demonstrating significant reductions in stress, homesickness, and negative affect among student participants. These programs also enjoy high subjective ratings, indicating widespread student satisfaction and acceptance. To gain a deeper understanding of the practical implementation and impact of AAIs in higher education, mental health professionals from several universities, including Kalamazoo College, Lawrence Technological University, Dickinson College, and Texas Christian University, were interviewed about their experiences. Their insights provide a rich tapestry of AAI applications and underscore the diverse ways these interventions benefit college students.
At Kalamazoo College, Dr. Erica Pearson, the Counseling Center Director, partners with a certified therapy dog named Noodles to offer a variety of AAI services. These range from individual pet visits and group counseling sessions to wellness programming and crisis support. Dr. Pearson emphasizes the power of AAIs in fostering social connections, a vital aspect of student well-being often challenged by feelings of loneliness and isolation on campus. The presence of Noodles creates a natural catalyst for interaction, facilitating conversations and fostering a sense of community among students. This shared experience of interacting with a therapy animal breaks down social barriers and creates opportunities for positive social engagement.
Lawrence Technological University utilizes therapy dogs in two distinct programs. One involves individual counseling sessions with Maggie, a miniature pinscher mix, who assists students in developing emotional awareness by reacting to their emotional energy and behaviors. The second program, Study “Paws,” brings volunteer therapy dog teams to campus monthly, providing a more informal setting for interaction and stress relief. Christy Schulze, the Director of Counseling Services, highlights the value of these programs in easing the transition to college life, particularly for first-year and international students who may be experiencing homesickness and cultural adjustment challenges. The dogs offer comfort and a sense of connection, mitigating the feelings of isolation and promoting a smoother integration into the campus community.
Dickinson College takes a unique approach to AAIs with its Bunny Connections Group, a structured program designed to foster interpersonal connections, establish healthy boundaries, and engage students in playful activities with therapy bunnies. Individual therapy sessions with the bunnies are also available, offering a calming and supportive environment for students to explore personal challenges and enhance emotional well-being. Additionally, “Bunny Breaks” provide unstructured time for students to interact with the bunnies, offering a tranquil respite from the pressures of academic life. Dr. Lauren Strunk, Executive Director of the Dickinson Wellness Center, emphasizes the calming and therapeutic presence of the bunnies, contributing to a supportive and nurturing environment for student well-being.
Texas Christian University (TCU) offers an equine-assisted therapy program, partnering with an off-campus facility, Freedom Reigns Counseling. This program provides students with the opportunity to interact with horses in a therapeutic setting, facilitated by equine therapist Lesli Figueiredo. The program focuses on emotional growth and learning through observation and interaction with the horses, drawing parallels between the animals’ responses to stressors and human coping mechanisms. Students learn to recognize and manage their own emotional responses, fostering self-awareness and resilience. Figueiredo also notes the program’s positive impact on students’ academic performance, attributing it to the horses’ ability to teach mindfulness and presence, leading to increased focus and productivity.
Across these diverse programs, the common thread is the positive impact of animal interaction on student well-being. AAIs provide a unique avenue for social connection, emotional regulation, and stress reduction. They also serve as a valuable gateway to mental health services, reducing stigma and encouraging students to seek support. The calming presence of animals, whether dogs, bunnies, or horses, creates a supportive environment that facilitates emotional growth and enhances the overall college experience. From fostering social connections to promoting emotional awareness and even improving academic performance, AAIs offer a multifaceted approach to supporting student well-being in higher education.
Furthermore, the different types of animals utilized in AAIs offer a variety of benefits tailored to the specific needs of the students. Therapy dogs provide accessible comfort and social interaction, while bunnies offer a unique opportunity for connection and playful engagement. Equine therapy, on the other hand, provides a powerful platform for exploring emotional regulation and personal growth through interaction with larger, more powerful animals. The diversity of these programs reflects the adaptability of AAIs and their capacity to address a wide range of student needs within the college environment. The individualized nature of many of these programs allows for personalized interventions tailored to the specific emotional and psychological needs of each student. The success of these programs underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing the diverse needs of college students, moving beyond traditional counseling models to incorporate innovative and effective approaches like AAIs. By fostering connections, reducing stress, and promoting emotional growth, AAIs offer a valuable contribution to the overall well-being of college communities.