Pete’s Pet Posse helps OSU students manage stress in Tulsa
In Tulsa, OSU students are managing academic stress and exam pressure with the help of certified volunteer therapy dogs from Pete's Pet Posse.
Hallie Herndon meets with campus therapy dogs in Tulsa to manage her rigorous college course load. The program helps students pause and support their mental well-being during stressful exam periods. Oklahoma State University employees volunteer their personal family dogs to comfort learners across departments.
Herndon is a first-year physician assistant student at the university. Seeing dogs around campus gives her a chance to step away from academic pressure.
“Being able to see them before exams is so fun,” Herndon said. “And also, all of the helpers with Pete’s Pet Posse are super kind, super encouraging to all of us as students.”
The program started at the Stillwater campus in 2013. It later expanded to include the Tulsa campuses. Handlers volunteer their time.
Monica Collington is the assistant vice president for external affairs. She said college and medical school bring stress from testing, social pressure and life changes.
“The students, their reactions are so awesome,” Collington said. “They just love seeing the animals on campus.”
Both the dogs and their handlers complete training and certification before visits. Collington said the animals must have the right temperament. Dogs cannot be overly energetic or fierce.
Cookie is a seven-pound Maltese who visits campus regularly. Collington said the dog has great energy and loves meeting people. The animal visits campus about once every week.
Herndon said the therapy animals provide more than a simple distraction from schoolwork. She noted that the visits bring students together and create moments of joy during difficult weeks.
Campus therapy animal programs provide structured interactions to help university populations reduce stress. Trained teams work across higher education facilities to encourage emotional wellness during academic terms. Handlers follow strict guidelines.
The pet visits offer students in Tulsa a simple way to pause during stressful routines. Learners connect directly with therapy dogs to find relief before returning to demanding professional programs.
