Negative mental health outcomes have affected healthcare workers, patients, and community members following pandemics: most recently, the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) outbreak. Although therapy dog visitation programs are associated with reduced stress, most hospital-based programs were placed on hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examined human–animal interactions during the reactivation of a hospital-based therapy dog program during the pandemic. Characteristics of the interactions and the participants involved were recorded and analyzed.

Animal-assisted interventions (AAI) have shown beneficial effects on health and wellbeing, however, robust knowledge on stress mediation in children is lacking... This study is the first randomized controlled trial to investigate dog-assisted interventions as a mediator of stress in school children with and without special educational needs (SEN) over the school term.

“For many, pets serve as social capital in neighborhoods and communities,” says Dr. Gee. “They precipitate the exchange of favors and encourage civic engagement.” 

More than 20 years ago, Sandra Barker started one of the first therapy-dog programs in hospitals. At the time, she worked at Virginia Commonwealth University, or VCU, in Richmond, Va.

Gee pointed out that evidence found in studies suggests spending just five to 20 minutes with a four-legged friend can drop levels of the stress hormone cortisol in people.