Therapy Dogs Provide Comfort at University of Michigan

Therapaws of Michigan helps students reduce stress during campus exam periods.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Dogs

Therapy Dogs Provide Comfort at University of Michigan

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Do you believe therapy dog programs are a helpful way to manage student stress during exams?

Therapy dogs from the organization Therapaws of Michigan are visiting the University of Michigan to offer emotional support to students during exam season. The volunteer-led group aims to provide comfort and stress relief throughout the stressful academic period.

Why it matters

The visits provide students with essential emotional support as they navigate the pressures of university exams. This initiative leverages the calming presence of trained animals to foster a more manageable environment for the campus community.

Therapaws of Michigan maintains 120 active dog-human pairs that visit over 25 locations throughout Washtenaw County. Dogs in the program must be over one year old and pass screenings for health, temperament, and obedience.

The players

Therapaws of Michigan

This volunteer organization provides trained therapy dogs to various locations throughout Washtenaw County.

Jared Wadley

He is a longtime dog handler who has dedicated 16 years of service to the organization.

University of Michigan

This major public research institution hosts therapy dog events at its library facilities.

The details

Volunteers and their dogs must be registered through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs to participate in the program. Teams, including participants like handler Jared Wadley, visit sites such as the Shapiro Undergraduate Library to engage with students.

Therapaws of Michigan was established in 1988.
Jared Wadley has served as a dog handler for the past 16 years.
Brinda Ganesan began participating in the organization in 2018.
Wadley and his dog Bree attended NAMIWalks last year.
Therapy dogs visit libraries at the University of Michigan during exam season.

Culture Shift

The use of therapy animals has become a standard wellness resource at universities nationwide as institutions seek non-clinical ways to reduce student anxiety. This approach reflects a broader societal shift toward integrating animal-human interactions into high-stress environments.

Students visiting the Shapiro Undergraduate Library can engage directly with the therapy teams to alleviate stress during their study sessions. Prospective volunteers in the area must ensure their pets meet strict health and temperament requirements before applying for registration.

The takeaway

Engaging with therapy animals can serve as a beneficial break for students managing heavy academic workloads. Individuals interested in volunteering should prioritize formal training and certification to ensure their dogs are prepared for public settings.