Unleash the “Paws”itivity! Using Animal Assisted Therapy in Colleges and Universities-View Recording

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Video Summary

The presentation explored using animal-assisted therapy in colleges, highlighting its benefits and considerations. Mira Menon and Lorraine Copley initiated the session, presenting on the role of therapy animals in stress-relief. Copley shared extensive experience from Ohio State University, working alongside therapy dogs.<br /><br />They explained that therapy animals, especially dogs, can significantly reduce stress by influencing human neurochemistry, such as lowering cortisol and increasing oxytocin. Research indicated positive outcomes for college students, like reduced anxiety and improved mood after interacting with therapy dogs.<br /><br />Colleen Tennyson provided insights into integrating animal-assisted therapy in clinical practice, discussing the importance of training both handlers and dogs. Legal and ethical guidelines were emphasized, underscoring the need for informed consent and clear communication about the presence and role of therapy animals in clinical settings.<br /><br />The discussion spanned various practices and policies, such as setting correct expectations, addressing emergency scenarios, and ensuring proper liability coverage. Challenges with providing emotional support animal documentation were discussed, noting the legal implications and the careful consideration needed before approving such requests. The session concluded with case discussions illustrating therapeutic interactions, where therapy animals played crucial roles in aiding patient comfort and facilitating therapeutic breakthroughs. The engagement and exchange recognized the value therapy animals bring, while addressing potential challenges within clinical and campus environments.

Keywords

animal-assisted therapy

college stress relief

therapy animals

Mira Menon

Lorraine Copley

Ohio State University

neurochemistry

Colleen Tennyson

handler training

legal guidelines

emotional support animals

therapeutic interactions

campus environments