Alumni Dog Therapy Sign Up

We are looking for McMaster alumni interested in becoming members of the McMaster Dog Therapy Team. This initiative is part of McMaster Engineering's Paws n' Play program, which is an affiliate of the Dogs at MAC program on campus, a collaboration with the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA.

Research indicates the presence of therapy dogs play a positive role in the lives of students. McMaster is a leading institution in integrating therapy dogs into the services and programs offered to students.

Liam the Library Dog, for instance, works with a librarian to assist students achieve academic success. The PAWSS Project Team (Pups Advising within Social Sciences) features Lily who assists an academic advisor with academic planning. In 2017, the PAWSS Team received a President’s Award for Outstanding Service.

As a next stage, we are creating a McMaster Alumni Dog Therapy Team. This group of Alumni and their dogs will meet and interact with students on campus. You might encounter students as you explore the campus, or asked to bring your dog to special events. By being part of this program, you will contribute to the well-being and academic achievement of students at McMaster. We know that students are interested in and benefit from meeting and speaking with Alumni. Being able to meet and speak with you while socializing with your dog is one of the key ideas behind the program.

If you are interested in dog therapy, or have a dog suited to this activity, then training and assessment is available through the SPCA to help prepare you and your dog. If your dog is already a certified therapy animal, then you are ready to be involved right away.