Virtual therapy dogs ease stress through short videos

A short video session with a therapy dog can significantly reduce stress levels, according to new research comparing virtual interventions with in-person interactions.

The study found that five-minute pre-recorded sessions featuring therapy dogs helped ease stress among both students and members of the public, highlighting the value of virtual alternatives for people unable to access traditional therapy programmes.

More than 1,000 participants — including around 900 students and 120 community members — took part. After watching videos designed to replicate in-person visits, participants reported lower stress scores across all age groups.

The sessions were developed during the COVID-19 pandemic by researchers from the University of British Columbia Okanagan and Brock University, when face-to-face therapy dog visits were suspended. Each video included guided reflection, calming narration, and footage of dogs interacting with their handlers.

Dr John-Tyler Binfet is professor at UBC Okanagan and director of the Building Academic Retention through K9s (B.A.R.K.) programme.

He said: “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.

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

Unlike traditional therapy dog sessions, which are often limited to urban centres and fixed schedules, the virtual format offers flexibility.

The online modules are free to access, require no appointments, and involve no direct human contact — making them particularly useful for people hesitant to seek formal support.

Therapy dog programmes have gained popularity in education and healthcare for reducing anxiety and improving wellbeing.

Researchers say the virtual model could extend these benefits to remote communities, shift workers, or those with limited mobility.

The researchers noted: “The results suggest that virtual therapy dog interventions can also benefit the broader public, particularly those who face barriers to accessing in-person mental health support, such as access outside of normal operating hours or from a remote location.”

Next, the team plans to explore whether adding mindfulness elements to the videos can further enhance stress relief.