INTEGRATED PET THERAPY ON CAMPUSA case study exploration of campus community members’ perceptions of the well-being benefits associated with a canine-assisted intervention

College students face many mental health struggles. Research shows the positive mental health impact of canine-assisted interventions (CAI), especially among college students. This study draws on a 2023 case study of Pete's Pet Posse (P3) at Oklahoma State University (OSU), an institutionally-integrated CAI program providing yearlong events since 2013. The exploratory study was guided by the following research question: How do campus community members perceive the well-being benefits of P3? We utilize (all data collected in 2023) feedback surveys (students <i>n</i> = 1,900; response rate 8.8%; P3 Handlers <i>n</i> = 40; response rate 66%; P3 student volunteers <i>n</i> = 31; response rate 87%), in-depth interviews (<i>n</i> = 30), and one focus group (<i>n</i> = 5) to descriptively document P3's perceived benefits to the campus community. Findings reveal that P3 helps the OSU community in managing life stressors, building a sense of community, and spreading joy in their everyday lives.