President's News

Therapy dogs to optimise wellbeing on UCC campus

30 Aug 2023
Maeve Bartnett, student, Cliona O’Rourke, My Canine Companion and UCC President Professor John O’Halloran with dogs Jackie, Belle and Polly at the launch of the MCC PAWS @UCC programme. Image: Max Bell

UCC and My Canine Companion today launched a new pet therapy programme to support the wellbeing of students and staff at UCC. 

Led by the School of Nursing & Midwifery, this initiative is the first of its kind in an Irish university and comes as part of a broad response at UCC to the increased stress and anxiety experience by students in third level.

Research across Europe and North America reveals significant reductions in stress and anxiety related to on-campus dog therapy programmes. As we approach the new academic year we hope that the PAWS initiative will play an important role in helping our new students transition to university life and bring comfort and support to the entire campus community. 

Throughout the year PAWS @ UCC will hold events for students and staff to facilitate the creation of canine connections on campus and enable access to My Canine Companion resources and expertise for all. 

If you see an MCC dog on campus please come and say hello.

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