Joanne M. Williams, A. Bradfield, A. Gardiner, P. Pendry, and L. M. Wauthier (2024) published their work in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, outlining a three-stage co-production method used to create a dog-facilitated psychoeducational program for students with significant mental health challenges.
The project addressed the global concern of declining student mental health and the growing popularity of animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) on campuses. Unlike many informal programs, this initiative emphasized evidence-based design and collaboration with multiple stakeholders, including student well-being services, veterinarians, animal welfare groups, and Therapets volunteers.
The resulting program, Paws on Campus, consists of four one-hour themed sessions: Thoughts and Feelings, Well-being and Welfare, Care and Compassion, and Problem Solving and Help Seeking. These sessions were shaped by student surveys, stakeholder consultations, workshops, and iterative feedback, ensuring that the intervention was tailored to student needs while safeguarding animal welfare.
The authors highlight that co-production—involving students directly in shaping the curriculum—was key to the program’s success and sustainability. They argue that structured, student-centered AAIs can reduce stigma, foster resilience, and offer universities a practical, engaging approach to supporting student well-being alongside traditional mental health services.
Source: Williams, J. M., Bradfield, J., Gardiner, A., Pendry, P., & Wauthier, L. M. (2024). Co-Producing Paws on Campus: A Psychoeducational Dog-Facilitated Programme for University Students Experiencing Mental Health Difficulties. Journal: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Volume 21. Publication Date: 2024-08-01. Authors: Joanne M. Williams, A. Bradfield, A. Gardiner, P. Pendry, L. M. Wauthier.
