Watching a short pre-recorded therapy-dog video reduced stress among 1,020 participants, researchers at UBC Okanagan and Brock University report.

The study, led by Dr. John-Tyler Binfet of UBC Okanagan and Dr. Christine Tardif-Williams of Brock University, tested virtual modules designed to mimic in-person visits and found measurable benefits for both students and the general public. Human-animal interactions are known to provide substantial mental health benefits, including decreased anxiety, enhanced feelings of well-being, and reduced loneliness, making such interventions particularly important during stressful times.

Researchers used a five-minute pre-recorded video featuring a therapy dog and volunteer handler teams drawn from the Building Academic Retention through K9s (B.A.R.K.) program. The material included guided reflection, visual engagement with the dog, and calming narration and was produced to resemble an in-person experience; the footage came from four B.A.R.K. therapy dog and volunteer handler teams.

Dr. John-Tyler Binfet, Director of UBCO’s Building Academic Retention through K9s (B.A.R.K.) program, framed the findings succinctly: “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.” These resources are especially crucial given that around 70-75% of college students reported increased stress and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Co-lead Dr. Christine Tardif-Williams is listed among the study authors from Brock University. The research team also included Freya Green, coordinator of the B.A.R.K. program, and student researchers Rebecca Godard, Akshat Singal, Camille Rousseau, Renata Roma and Amelia Willcox.

In total, 1,020 people watched the pre-recorded sessions and completed measures aimed at capturing stress changes before and after viewing. The authors report the virtual format reduced stress across age groups and populations included in the study, highlighting the approach as a potential tool when live visits are not possible. Individuals can easily incorporate these virtual therapy animal resources into their mental health routines by accessing pre-recorded videos online, requiring minimal time commitment and no scheduling.

Beyond immediate stress relief, the researchers noted practical advantages of a virtual module: it requires no appointment, no direct contact, and can be accessed at any hour. Those design elements were important to the team as they adapted programming originally developed under the B.A.R.K. umbrella during periods when face-to-face interactions were limited.

The findings were published in the journal Human-Animal Interactions. UBC Okanagan described the work and its implications in its university news release, which presents the research and quotations from the lead investigator in more detail. For the Brock University perspective on the co-led research and its applications, the university’s media room also summarized the study outcomes and next steps.

Researchers say virtual canine comfort modules could serve people who cannot access traditional therapy-dog programs because of geography, scheduling, or other barriers. The study’s emphasis on short, guided content aims to deliver support in moments when people might be isolated or unable to seek in-person help. This virtual approach places it alongside established animal-assisted interventions while highlighting its potential for inclusivity and accessibility.