Oklahoma State University Launched Therapy Dog Program

The Pete's Pet Posse initiative provides emotional support to students across university campuses.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Dogs

Gouache-painted illustration of a Golden Retriever wearing a blue bandana, with a hand reaching to pet it in a campus park. — Oklahoma State University continues its Pete's Pet Posse program, utilizing trained volunteer-owned therapy dogs to support student mental well-being on campuses in Stillwater and Tulsa. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe university-sponsored therapy programs are effective at supporting student mental health?

Since its 2013 launch at the Stillwater campus, Oklahoma State University has utilized the Pete's Pet Posse program to support student mental well-being. The initiative has since expanded to include the school's Tulsa locations.

Why it matters

The therapy dog program is designed to provide students with relaxation and support for their overall mental well-being. By integrating canine companionship into campus life, the university seeks to create a more supportive environment for its student body.

The program features participants such as Cookie, a seven-pound Maltese who visits campus approximately once per week. Participating dogs must meet specific temperament requirements and complete formal certification.

The players

Oklahoma State University

This is a public research university that operates multiple campuses across Oklahoma, including sites in Stillwater and Tulsa.

Pete's Pet Posse

This is the name of the official therapy dog program established by the university to assist students.

This seven-pound Maltese dog is one of the animals that participates in the university therapy program.

The details

University employees volunteer as handlers for the program, bringing their own dogs to interact with students after completing training and certification. These animals provide consistent support for the campus community throughout the academic year.

The Pete's Pet Posse program began at the Stillwater campus in 2013.
Cookie visits the campus approximately once a week.

Culture Shift

The rise of animal-assisted therapy programs in higher education has become a prominent method for schools to support student mental health. Oklahoma State University follows this national trend, which prioritizes accessible wellness resources for students during high-stress academic periods.

Students at the Stillwater and Tulsa campuses can access these therapy dogs to help manage stress throughout the academic year. The program requires no formal signup for students to benefit from these weekly interactions on campus grounds.

The takeaway

Therapy dog programs offer a simple yet effective way for students to decompress during the rigors of university life. Volunteers and their certified pets play a vital role in fostering a positive and relaxed atmosphere on campus.