Students who are facing stress, anxiety, or loneliness will benefit from weekly events that include trained service dogs from the nonprofit My Canine Companion.
About half of the nation's support dogs are provided to kids with disabilities, notably those with autism, via My Canine Companion.
UCC is the first Irish institution to launch such a scheme, while several elementary and secondary schools already receive therapy dogs from it.
The college stated that it anticipates that the course would greatly assist students, especially when first-year students start their third-level studies.
According to UCC President Prof. John O'Halloran, there is solid evidence that spending time with therapy dogs promotes social bonds and reduces stress.
It may be hectic and difficult to get used to college life, whether you're a first-time or returning student, he added.
“We hope this initiative will bring our students and staff a lot of comfort, happiness, and support.”
Dr. Irene Hartigan, Senior Lecturer in the School of Nursing and Midwifery, is promoting the PAWS initiative at UCC.
“Dogs, in particular, have a lot of influence over people's mental health”, according to Dr. Hartigan.
“I'm happy to collaborate with faculty and staff on the PAWS program's development. Our goal is to investigate how these delightful companions may improve the UCC campus.”
Cliona O'Rourke and Niall Ruddy, a husband and wife duo from Blarney, County Cork, founded My Canine Companion in 2011.
Its current location is Blackpool in Cork City. The nonprofit organisation claimed to be Ireland's largest provider of service dogs for autistic children and teenagers.
An exciting day for Team MCC at the launch of MCC PAWS @ UCC in collaboration with @UCC
— My Canine Companion (@mycaninecompani) August 30, 2023
MCC PAWS @ UCC will introduce My Canine Companion dogs on the UCC campus, to support the staff and students during their day. https://t.co/aJ0Xxw06Fm#teammcc pic.twitter.com/uR3dmGIcII
Ms. O'Rourke, who has previously brought therapy dogs to students in a number of elementary and secondary schools, said she is eager to enter the third-level sector.
“In elementary and post-primary schools around the nation, we presently have over 30 dogs as part of our schools’ programmes,” she added.
“The dogs truly contribute, and their presence has a positive effect.”
International research, according to UCC, demonstrates the value of pet wellness initiatives as a mental health intervention on college campuses, where many students are homebound and lonely, which negatively affects their mental and physical health as well as their academic performance.
UCC studies have shown that spending time with dogs helps lower cortisol levels in university students and lessen feelings of loneliness.
After spending time with dogs, oxytocin levels, a hormone connected to bonding and happy emotions, were shown to rise in humans, according to a number of studies after time spent with the pet.