Virtual dog therapy can improve mental wellbeing

Dogs help mental health

Photo: UBCO

New research from UBCO has determined that even a virtual therapy session with a dog can help reduce a person’s stress.

A new study from UBC Okanagan (UBCO) has found that even a virtual therapy session with a dog can help reduce stress—opening the door to more accessible and affordable mental health support.

While spending time with dogs is a well-known stress reliever, researchers discovered that simply watching a short video of a therapy dog can offer similar benefits.

Led by Dr. John-Tyler Binfet, Professor in UBCO’s School of Education and Director of the B.A.R.K. (Building Academic Retention through K9s) program, and Dr. Christine Tardif-Williams of Brock University, the study builds on previous research into in-person dog therapy.

“Our findings demonstrate that even with a virtual session, there was a significant reduction in stress among both the student population and the general public, regardless of age,” says Dr. Binfet, Director of UBCO’s Building Academic Retention through K9s (B.A.R.K.) program.

“This suggests that virtual canine comfort modules are an effective, low-cost and accessible resource for those seeking mental health supports.”

The study involved more than 900 students and 120 community members, each watching a five-minute pre-recorded video of a therapy dog and handler.

Dr. Binfet says the project was born out of necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic, when lockdowns increased demand for virtual wellness options.

The research, published in Human-Animal Interactions, was co-authored by B.A.R.K. coordinator Freya Green and student researchers Rebecca Godard, Akshat Singal, Camille Rousseau, Renata Roma, and Amelia Willcox.

According to Dr. Binfet, the results highlight the potential for virtual dog therapy to help those who may be unable or hesitant to seek formal mental health care.