Watching a therapy dog video for as little as five minutes can significantly reduce stress, according to a study co-led by Brock University researcher Christine Tardif-Williams.
The study, published in Human-Animal Interactions, involved more than 1,000 participants worldwide and tested the effects of short, guided canine comfort videos on perceived stress levels.
"What we intuitively think to be the case is actually the case," said Tardif-Williams, a Professor in the Department of Child and Youth Studies. "Spending just five minutes watching one of these videos helps ease stress in the moment."
Professor of Child and Youth Studies Christine Tardif-Williams
The research was conducted in partnership with John-Tyler Binfet, a Professor at the University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus and Director of the Building Academic Retention Through K9s (B.A.R.K.) program, which provides in-person and virtual animal-assisted interventions to support mental health.
While previous research has focused on students in post-secondary settings, the new study is the first to examine the effects of virtual canine-assisted interventions on the broader community. Participants in the study included university students and non-student adults from a variety of countries.
Both groups reported significant reductions in stress after watching brief pre-recorded video modules, which were carefully designed to mirror in-person therapy dog sessions.
Each video included a land acknowledgment, an introduction to the therapy dog and handler, and guided reflection prompts. Viewers were encouraged to imagine petting the dog while listening to the handler describe the dog's temperament and behaviour.
"People who find human interaction stressful told us they preferred the virtual format," Tardif-Williams said. "They liked that they didn't have to leave their home or navigate a social setting. For some, it was the first step in thinking differently about mental health."
The researchers chose to make the videos five minutes long because the "short duration is critical for reaching people who may not otherwise seek support," she said.
The researchers describe the videos as a "foot-in-the-door" approach, particularly for individuals who might avoid traditional therapy due to stigma, cost or anxiety. The flexibility of asynchronous delivery also means the sessions are accessible at any time, from anywhere.
"These modules can support people at 3 a.m. when no one is around," Tardif-Williams said. "It's about making mental health care accessible in the moments people need it most."
Tardif-Williams also emphasized the importance of animal welfare in the design of the study. The virtual format eliminates stressors that therapy dogs may experience during live sessions.
"That's something I care about deeply," she said. "This model helps protect the well-being of the therapy dogs while still providing comfort to people."
The research team sees further potential in using virtual canine modules in educational settings or with children. Tardif-Williams said future applications could include "mind breaks" during challenging lessons or emotional learning activities, for example.
She also highlighted the growing potential for the use of AI-generated therapy animals.
Overall, virtual canines may assist in delivering customized content for specific audiences, including those with animal allergies, phobias or social anxieties.
"There's huge potential to create inclusive and trauma-informed content," she said. "Especially for groups who don't feel represented or safe in traditional mental health services."
