Imagine the stress of university life melting away as you pet a friendly, trained therapy dog. That’s the experience UBC Okanagan students have thanks to the Building Academic Retention through K9s (B.A.R.K.) program.

Founded 13 years ago by Dr. John-Tyler Binfet, associate professor and director of B.A.R.K., the program has grown from a small research initiative to a thriving community resource with 60 therapy dogs, 25 student volunteers, and over 4,000 student visits per year. Donors have played a crucial role in both sustaining the program, as well expanding the reach of its mental health services.

“I gave because I really wish this program had existed when I was in university,” says one of the program’s many supporters. “It’s inspiring to know that the program provides emotional support and comfort to students when they need it, helping them navigate challenges and find a sense of calm in their daily lives.”

For one first-year student, B.A.R.K. made a crucial difference in their life: “I genuinely felt like I had problems that weren’t going to go away, ever. But now they feel smaller and less significant.”

Dr. Binfet’s results with B.A.R.K. are clear—interacting with therapy dogs reduces stress, combats loneliness, and fosters social connections. Just 30 minutes with a dog can significantly ease stress and help students feel more at home on campus.

“This is probably my favourite thing to do on campus. I always come out feeling happy and stress-free!” said a second-year student.

The program’s impact extends beyond emotional support. Students who volunteer with B.A.R.K. gain valuable hands-on experience that translates into practical skills for their careers. Former volunteer and PhD student Camille Rousseau credits the program with shaping her academic path.

“Being a part of the B.A.R.K. program afforded me the opportunity to bolster my canine-assisted intervention research skills and be a part of something larger than my own research,” says Camille. “There is something special about being part of a distinguished, research-informed program that holds the potential to brighten people’s day.”

In a world full of stress, the compassion and empathy of B.A.R.K.’s four-footed therapists offer a lifeline for students, in turn helping them participate—and persevere—in higher education, confirms Dr. Binfet: “Over the years, we’ve heard two things consistently from students: ‘one reason I came to UBC Okanagan was because of the dog program’ and ‘I didn’t drop out of university because of the dog program’.”

For Dr. Binfet, the program represents something even more personal—a legacy of compassion.

“I see the program as my kind act to the campus community.”