UCC becomes the first University in Ireland to introduce therapy Dogs to support students

By News Editor Cormac McCarthy

UCC has now introduced a new programme in collaboration with My Canine Companion that will see a group of training service dogs become part of campus life. This effort is being carried out to assist students as part of a wellbeing capacity. This effort, being led by UCC’s college of Nursing and Midwifery, will aim to tackle problems affecting students such as loneliness, stress, homesickness. These issues affect students’ physical and mental well-being which ultimately leads to academic results falling. 

The PAWS programme by My Canine Companion is the first of its kind in Ireland. Internationally, these pet wellness programs have been quite successful, and have been conducive to combating stress levels and other challenges that students may face during the college year. The team hopes that this service could be used as a useful break from study or lectures for students. 

Research has shown that interacting with pets, and dogs in particular, has been shown to act as an important mental health intervention on university campuses. This interaction has been shown to decrease cortisol levels, which can build up during high levels of stress and those with long term high levels of cortisol can experience damage to the hippocampus, leading to impaired learning.

Studies also show that bonding with dogs also leads to increases in oxytocin, a hormone linked to emotional regulation and interpersonal bonding.  

UCC President John O’Halloran outlined in a statement “The evidence is clear, from lowering stress levels to boosting social connections, there are many health benefits from time spent with companion dogs – whether one owns one or not. Whether a new to a returning student, adjusting to college life can be busy and stressful. We hope this initiative brings great comfort, happiness, and support to our students and staff. 

The evidence is clear, from lowering stress levels to boosting social connections, there are many health benefits from time spent with companion dogs

There will be a variety of events and held throughout the academic year that will facilitate interactions between students and these canine companions.