Animal Therapy Resources and Degrees for Student Veterans

As a veteran returning to school, the planning process alone can feel overwhelming—and that’s even before you crack open the books. The pressure to adjust can be intense, but here’s the thing – you’re not alone – not even a little bit. In fact, According to the American Institute on Stress, 49% of U.S. students report experiencing “more than average” stress, while only 9% say they feel “no or less than average stress levels.”
But did you know there is an emerging trend to help you manage your stress or even study to help other veterans manage theirs? Enter man’s best friend and a few of his 4 (or even 2) legged buddies.
History of Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT)
First of all, incorporating animals as a method to help service members and veterans is far from new. Some studies indicate that the practice dates back to 5 B.C. when horses were utilized to assist veterans in recovering from injuries sustained in combat.
Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) has a long legacy. One notable program was at the Pawling Air Force Convalescent Hospital in New York, which assisted World War II airmen recover from “flight fatigue.” The program was so successful that, at one point, the facility housed nearly as many dogs as it did humans.
What is AAT?
It’s important to understand that animal therapy complements other traditional treatments. According to Psychology Today, it is” a mental health specialty in which appropriately credentialed mental health providers, working within their professional scope of practice, leverage the human-animal bond to treat their clients.”
Animals serving in AAT functions are distinct from service animals in that a designated service animal performs a specific function or set of tasks for an individual.
Depending on how AAT is being applied, there are 3 primary delivery modalities:
- Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) – a goal-directed process where an animal is integral to the therapy,
- Animal Assisted Activity (AAA) – when animals provide a supportive presence to enhance the quality of life,
- Therapeutic Riding – when a horse is used for physical, cognitive, and emotional support.
What are the Benefits?
Studies show that animal-assisted therapy (AAT) can be a valuable resource in easing stress, anxiety, and symptoms of PTS. Spending time with therapy animals may promote relaxation, help you feel more connected, and offer emotional support in a non-judgmental way. AAT can also encourage physical activity, improve overall well-being, and serve as a valuable tool to manage mental and emotional health as you pursue your academic journey.
According to a Journal of Mental Health article, a study at the University of Sheffield showed that “even limited intervention time with dogs can reduce stress both perceived stress and blood pressure of university students.”
Despite only preliminary data on the efficacy of AAT, perhaps the most compelling evidence comes from student veterans themselves. According to Coby Dillard, a doctoral candidate and the Director of Military Services at the University of Texas Tyler:
“Riding with Starbrite Equestrian Therapeutic Center has been a lesson in self-care that I never knew I needed. I’ve learned how to be more present with my family and my students, as well as how to relax and do things to take care of myself and my mental health”
“Both in my professional work and as a student, riding horses has allowed me to gain a sense of focus and calm that I never experienced during my time in the Navy.”
Colleges and Universities with Animal Therapy on Campus for Veterans
If you think AAT could improve your higher education experience, you’re in luck; over 60% of schools now offer some version on their campus. Most programs below are “supportive AAT” to help students manage and reduce stress. Here are a few.
University of Minnesota: The university’s on-campus health provider, Boynton Health, is home to the “Pet Away Stress and Worry (PAWS)” Animal Assisted Interaction (AAI) program. This program features a variety of animal therapy companions, including dogs, chickens, rabbits, cats, and miniature horses.
Students can interact with the animals 4 days a week, and no appointments are necessary. Since its inception in 2013, the program has recorded over 11,000 participants, and 90% reported reduced stress and anxiety.
Iowa State University: Iowa State’s animal therapy will assist students in managing stress during “Prep Week,” the week before fall and spring finals. The event, “Bark in the Bark,” held at the university library during study days from noon to 4 pm, is estimated to have served over 20,000 students.
Michigan State University: This October, Michigan State launched its “Stable Minds: Healing with Horses” program. A collaboration between the University Health and Wellbeing Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) and the Animal Science Department, the program involves unique group counseling that combines mindfulness and equine therapy. The six-week workshop develops students’ “ability to improve their emotional health, resiliency, and confidence.”
Oklahoma State University: Oklahoma State’s “Pets Posse” was founded in 2014 and offers training for canines owned by residents or students. The group makes campus rounds visiting libraries, dorms, and the stress relief center to “respond to the unique needs of students facing academic pressures, homesickness, or plain stress.”
Colleges and Universities with Animal Therapy Degrees or Certifications
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), therapy and therapy assistant positions are projected to grow by over 27% as they are incorporated into professions like teaching, social work, and elder care.
Here are a few schools with animal therapy programming.
Centenary University (Hackettstown, NJ): We had the opportunity to learn more about Centenary’s equine-assisted therapy (EAT) from Karen Brittle, M.A., Professor of Equine Studies and Director of Therapeutic Riding (TRAC).
Karen provided valuable insights into their 90-minute program designed for local veterans. This program aims to “help participants feel grounded, build strong bonds with their equine partners, and receive support, all while furthering the school’s commitment to giving back to those who have served our country.”
One of the program’s participants, Sergeant Corey K. Briggs, USMC (ret), became interested in pursuing a career in the field after experiencing its positive effects on his own journey. After receiving two degrees from the Equine Studies department, he served as their Veterans Program instructor. Corey reflected on his experience, saying:
“For me, I was able to find healing, which is not a traditional way that we think of to heal trauma. Working with horses was so impactful to me after my time in the military that I felt a strong calling to help other veterans who might also need some help.” Seeing the positive transformation in veterans from when they first walk in the barn until the end of the session is why I decided to bring horses and veterans together.”
Colorado State University (Ft. Collins, CO): Colorado State’s Human-Animal Bond In Colorado (HBAIC) program, housed in the school’s School of Social Work, recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. HBAIC offers volunteer and canine training, expert workshops, and a graduate certification for those interested in pursuing AAT as a career.
State University of New York: SUNY’s Cobleskill campus has several programs offering credentials and degrees in animal therapy, including a BS in technology in canine-assisted therapy, nutrition, and security. The University also has 2 canine facilities.
Animal therapy has become a valuable resource for helping students and veterans manage stress and anxiety. As more positive research results are reported, many universities and institutions will likely introduce animal therapy programs, increasing accessibility for those in need.
About the author

Wendy Ann Lang
Wendy Ann Lang is the President and Founder of Operation College Promise. Wendy regularly presents at national conferences as a subject matter expert in best practices to support the military-connected student population. She is a founding member of the Stockton University Veterans’ Advisory Board and was awarded their “Veterans’ Advocate of the Year” in 2017. From 2020 to 2024, Wendy led the Bush Institutes’ Higher Education and Employment Task Forces, focusing on contemporary initiatives to optimize student veterans' postsecondary success and reduce barriers to employment in high-demand fields.