Boxers, terriers, retrievers, pets of all shapes and sizes – they’re all welcome for the Agriculture Residential College’s Animal Assisted Therapy Program.
Multiple pet owners accompanied by their dogs gathered Wednesday evening on the grounds of the University School of Veterinary Medicine for a behavioral evaluation by Diane Sylvester, director of the University Tiger HATS (Human Animal Therapy Service) and veteran dog handler.
The evaluations are meant to test the pets’ demeanor around strangers and other animals, and to see if they have what it takes to participate in the AAT program.
“I’m checking to see if the dogs have the right temperament in stressful situations,” Sylvester said.
Around 20 AAT student members pair with animals to offer therapeutic treatment to those in need, said College of Agriculture Associate Dean Betsy Garrison. Pet owners are allowed to be present for the therapy sessions, but don’t participate unless they are students involved with the AAT program.
The students volunteer time at Sunrise Senior Living in Baton Rouge and will be present for therapy for students in front of Middleton Library during mid-terms and finals this semester, she said.
Pets and owners gathered in a large circle during the evaluations where Sylvester was able to handle the pets and weed out ones that didn’t seem to be suited for pet therapy.
If the animals passed the evaluations, they will get to assist Agriculture Residential College students for therapy services, she said.
“It helps brighten their day,” Sylvester said. “Many patients have had dogs in the past and miss them.”
Sylvester said the therapy extends beyond the animal and patient interaction, the students’ presence during therapy sessions generate meaningful conversation.
Animal science senior Rose Daunis has been involved with AAT since 2010 and has had a chance to connect with several patients while volunteering.
“It feels great to help,” she said. “Many of them don’t get visitors a lot.”
Daunis is now helping to organize times for students to meet with patients while continuing to assist in therapy this semester.
The pets that made the cut will need to participate in a training session Oct. 8 and will begin therapy sessions as the semester progresses.

Gallery • 1 Photos

Richard Redmann

LSU animal science sophomore Ben Kraemer (left) and animal science junior Lindsey Owens (right) pet Rocky, one of the trained dogs for the Agriculture Residental College's animal assisted therpy program at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine.