If you’ve ever been stressed as a college student (which is basically all of us…), you’ve probably looked for ways to help regulate yourself. I know for me, my dogs at home are a huge help when it comes to decompressing after a long day. But that’s difficult when you’re away from them at
school. Being away from home is already hard in itself, but the added layers of academic pressure and adjusting to independence don’t make it any easier. I know for me, this just makes me wish I could go home and be greeted by my pets.
Although this might seem unrealistic, there are actually alternatives to receiving that same comfort and emotional support from animals. At UMass, students have access to opportunities to interact with trained therapy dogs right here on campus. This is known as pet therapy.
For anyone who hasn’t experienced it before, pet therapy at UMass is super accessible. There are drop-in sessions during the week where trained therapy dogs come to campus, and students can just stop by. For example, there’s a weekly “Therapy Dog Hour” every Tuesday from 4:30–5:30 p.m. at the Stonewall Center (403 Goodell), where you can just walk in and spend time with dogs. There are also smaller sessions through CCPH in Middlesex House where you can sign up for short 15-minute visits.
What makes this resource different is how low-pressure it is. You don’t need an appointment, you don’t have to explain anything, and you don’t have to commit to anything long-term. You can literally walk in, sit down for a few minutes, and leave feeling better.
There have been times during the semester where everything feels like too much – classes, work, responsibilities, and just life in general. In those moments, I don’t always have the energy to fully process everything or sit down and talk it out. Pet therapy gave me a way to reset without needing to do all that. Just sitting with a dog for a few minutes helped me slow down, breathe, and take a break from everything going on around me. It also reminded me of my dogs at home, which made it even more comforting.
It sounds simple, but it actually makes a difference.
Even short interactions can help lower stress, improve your mood, and make it easier to get through the rest of your day. It also creates a really comfortable environment. Everyone there is usually in the same position – just trying to decompress – so it feels easy and judgment-free.
Another thing I didn’t expect is how it builds a sense of community. You’ll see people smiling, talking, and just being present in a way that doesn’t always happen during busy weeks. It’s a reminder that you’re not the only one feeling overwhelmed, which can be really grounding.
If you haven’t tried pet therapy before, I really recommend it – especially during midterms or finals. You don’t have to stay long, and you don’t have to go in with any expectations. Just showing up is enough. College can get overwhelming, and not every solution has to be complicated. Sometimes, taking a few minutes to sit with a dog is exactly what you need to reset and keep going.
