Pet therapy has benefits
Northwest Missouri State University is a big supporter of animals in many areas, whether it’s related to an Animal Science course or the Advocates for Animal Awareness organization.
What some people don’t know is how animals, more specifically pets, are very therapeutic for individuals, couples, groups and families of all ages.
Northwest has had the privilege to work with therapy dogs in the Domesti-PUPS organization through St. Joseph.
Domesti-PUPS is a non-profit, service organization of volunteer therapy and service dogs and their owners promoting better quality of life by enhancing or assisting overall health and wellness.
The therapy dogs serve all sorts of populations, including school classrooms, nursing homes, hospitals, service clubs, assisted living centers, and faith-based organizations.
Domesti-PUPS has been actively involved in the University Wellness Center’s Stress Less Fest events, as well as the Nutrition and Wellness Fair, over the past several years. The organization plays a crucial part of our events as they provide meet-and-greets and casual petting for college students, staff and faculty.
In fact, many of the students have mentioned that the therapy dogs are their favorite part of our events. Some say it helps them cope when missing family pets back home.
This organization is a great example of how helpful and therapeutic pets can be in many different settings.
Service dogs are also a part of Domesti-PUPS. They provide services for many disabilities such as balance disorders, wheelchair/mobility assistance, seizure response, and vision problems.
This organization, amongst many other pet therapy organizations, really focuses on the importance of connection and bond created between a human and an animal.
Benefits of working with therapy dogs include better physical health, mental health, reading and literacy, as well as assistance in physical therapy.
Not only do pets provide unconditional love, but caring for the pets can improve overall health and level of happiness.
Pet therapy has no age limit, can provide comfort in loneliness, encourage social interaction, decrease stress and increase exercise.
Although dogs and cats are the most common pets, any domestic pet can provide forms of therapy and comfort — even fish.
