Remotely and collaboratively evaluating a campus-based therapy dog program during the COVID-19 pandemic

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Public Health
• Veterinary Medicine

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted university student and general adult wellbeing.
• There was a critical need for mental health programming adaptable to physical distancing requirements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a virtual animal-assisted activity (PAWS Your Stress) at the University of Saskatchewan.
• To examine mental health and social connection during the pandemic.
• To highlight collaborative strategies for remote, time-sensitive evaluations.

Main Methods:

• Remote evaluation of a virtual animal-assisted activity.
• Utilized program logic modelling workshops adapted for remote delivery.
• Employed the Most Significant Change technique for qualitative outcome data collection.

Main Results:

• Remote animal-assisted programming fostered connections with humans and animals.
• Participants reported multiple mental health benefits despite the absence of physical interaction.
• Remote program logic modelling workshops were feasible and adaptable.

Conclusions:

• Virtual animal-assisted interventions can be effective in promoting mental health and social connection.
• The Most Significant Change technique is valuable for time-restricted, qualitative evaluations.
• Remote evaluation methods enable successful stakeholder collaboration in challenging contexts.