UT Students Find Relief With Therapy Animals

The University of Tennessee Student Counseling Center hosted a therapy animal session to help students manage academic stress.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Dogs

UT Students Find Relief With Therapy Animals

Live Poll

Do you believe animal therapy events on campus help improve student mental health and stress?

Students at the University of Tennessee recently gathered for a PAWS for a Break event featuring therapy animals. The program offers students a chance to interact with screened animals to support mental well-being.

Why it matters

Managing academic pressure is a significant challenge, and this initiative uses the calming influence of human-animal interaction to provide students with a necessary emotional outlet.

The Irish Wolfhound named Donkey is approximately two years old. The animals, including dogs, cats, and rabbits, undergo rigorous medical and behavioral screening before participating in outreach.

The players

University of Tennessee Student Counseling Center

This campus department provides mental health resources and support services to the university student population.

HABIT

This is an outreach program based within the University of Tennessee veterinary school that facilitates animal interaction services.

Donkey

Donkey is an Irish Wolfhound who serves as a therapy animal and is currently two years old.

The details

The Student Counseling Center partnered with the HABIT program, an outreach initiative within the university's veterinary school, to bring animals onto campus. In addition to these events, the university maintains a presence of therapy dogs within the Title IX and Student Disabilities Services offices.

The PAWS for a Break event was held on October 23, 2026.
Donkey the Irish Wolfhound is scheduled to turn two years old in December 2026.

Culture Shift

This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the therapeutic benefits of animal interaction in university environments. It follows the model set by the HABIT human-animal bond outreach program to bridge the gap between clinical support and student well-being.

Students can utilize these recurring events to manage stress and improve their mental health during the academic semester. The program allows students to take short breaks between classes to interact with animals in a controlled setting.

The takeaway

Integrating animal therapy into student life can provide an effective, accessible way to manage the challenges of university academics. Students looking to reduce stress should monitor the university calendar for future opportunities to engage with therapy animals.