Animal-Assisted Mental Health Education for Veterinary Students

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Education
• Mental Health
• Animal-Assisted Interventions

Background:

• Veterinary students experience significant mental health challenges.
• High stress levels stem from demanding studies and future professional pressures.
• Addressing mental health stigma in veterinary medicine is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and implement an animal-assisted education in mental health (AAE-MH) program for veterinary students.
• To enhance mental health literacy, awareness, and help-seeking behaviors.
• To improve overall student well-being within a veterinary school context.

Main Methods:

• A six-session AAE-MH program was designed, incorporating course-based and experiential learning.
• Certified therapy dogs participated in two 1-hour sessions.
• An interdisciplinary team of mental health professionals, psychologists, animal-assisted therapists, and faculty collaborated on the program.
• The program was adapted for delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic with safety measures.

Main Results:

• The AAE-MH program successfully integrated animal-assisted learning into mental health education.
• The program addressed the taboo nature of mental health in the veterinary field.
• It fostered a supportive environment for students to understand and manage their mental well-being.

Conclusions:

• The AAE-MH program provides a viable framework for enhancing veterinary student mental health.
• This interdisciplinary, animal-assisted approach can be adapted by other institutions.
• Implementing such programs can benefit the broader veterinary profession by supporting student well-being.