Therapy Dogs Visit University of Michigan for Exam Season
Students can find emotional support through visiting therapy dogs at libraries during current exam sessions.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Dogs
Live Poll
Do you believe therapy dog programs are a helpful way to manage student stress during exams?
Therapy dogs from the organization Therapaws of Michigan are visiting University of Michigan libraries to provide emotional support during exam season. The nonprofit currently supports over 25 locations across Washtenaw County with its team of volunteers.
Why it matters
These visits aim to reduce stress for students facing academic pressure by providing comfort and interaction with trained animals. This longstanding program helps students manage the psychological toll of final exams.
Therapaws of Michigan manages 120 active dog-human pairs that visit over 25 sites in Washtenaw County. The program has operated since 1988, providing emotional support as part of a volunteer network.
The players
Therapaws of Michigan
A volunteer organization founded in 1988 that provides certified therapy dogs for emotional support in Washtenaw County.
Alliance of Therapy Dogs
A national organization that tests and registers therapy dogs to ensure they meet behavioral and health standards.
Jared Wadley
A long-term director and volunteer dog handler who has contributed to the organization for 16 years.
University of Michigan
A major public research institution that partners with local groups to provide student mental health support.
The details
To qualify for the program, dogs must be over one year old and pass screening tests focusing on temperament, health, and obedience. These animals are officially tested and registered through the Alliance of Therapy Dogs before joining the organization. Volunteers like Jared Wadley and Irena Markovits handle the dogs during visits to campus libraries and community events.
Timeline
1988: Therapaws of Michigan was established.
2018: Brinda Ganesan began participating in the program.
Past 16 years: Jared Wadley has served as a dog handler.
Last year: Wadley and his dog Bree attended NAMIWalks.
Exam season: Therapy dogs visit University of Michigan libraries.
The Home Front
The integration of therapy dogs into campus life reflects a broader movement toward incorporating animal-assisted interventions within standard university wellness programs. This trend aligns with research from the American College Health Association regarding the rising demand for mental health resources.
Families interested in volunteering with their pets should review the screening requirements for temperament and health established by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs. If you have a dog over one year old, consider documenting their obedience training to prepare for potential future volunteer opportunities.
The takeaway
Therapy dog programs offer a simple way to manage stress, serving as a reminder that pet companionship provides significant mental health benefits. If you are a pet owner, you can look into local animal-assisted therapy training programs to see if your dog qualifies for community service.
Further reading
Find more information on local pet resources in our Dogs section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Michigan Daily.
Live Poll
Do you believe therapy dog programs are a helpful way to manage student stress during exams?
