OSU Expands Pet Therapy Program For Students

Oklahoma State University's new center for pet therapy has grown into the largest university-based program in the country.

This expansion of the pet therapy program can be found at the school’s student union, but you can see these pups going where they are needed around campus to support students, faculty and staff.

"The dogs are here to bring you that comfort, love, support that you just need a little extra of," said Hannah Silensky with Pete's Pet Posse.

OSU continues to grow Pete's Pet Posse and expand its pet therapy efforts.

What was once an eight-dog program when it first opened has grown to nearly 60 dog and handler teams.

"They see your dog, and then they smile and relax. That is just so fulfilling," Pete's Pet Posse pet handler Carol Jones said.  

Jones has been bringing her pup Otis around for those on campus for years but said you can tell the increased need for this program during the pandemic.

'What the dogs do is just pure magic," said Jones.

"Everyone has their own story back home, and then that can be magnified with those kids being home for the better part of last year,” OSU director of sport psychology Trevor Richardson said. “And this year, we have to hear about new strains and variants coming out.”

Now Pete's Pet Posse has helped more than 263,000 people with plans for continued growth.

"I am the type that also needs some extra love that only a dog can provide," said Silensky.

While this program is based in Stillwater, Pete's Pet Posse is also available at the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine in Tahlequah.