Attend an Animal Therapy Session

Feeling stressed? Looking for a break? Welcome to the Student Wellness Hub Animal Therapy program. Our teams - humans, their devoted dogs, and Hub Peer Supporters - are here to help.

• Attend animal therapy at the downtown campus
• Attend animal therapy at the Macdonald campus

How to Request an Animal Therapy Visit at McGill

Animal therapy visits are a great way to support student wellness and build community. If your unit or club at McGill would like to host a visit from one of our certified therapy dogs and their volunteer handler, follow the steps below. 

1. Choose a Preferred & Backup Date 

• Visits are 1 hour long. We recommend choosing a time when students can drop in and unwind. Select a backup date in case your first choice is unavailable.  We do our best to accommodate all requests, however this depends on dog and handler availability. 

2. Book an Appropriate Room 

• Ensure that animals are permitted in the building. 
• The space should be open, quiet, and allow freedom of movement for the dog and handler. 
• Avoid: Rooms with fixed furniture (like classroom desks or large boardroom tables), spaces where food is served, and buildings that house animals (e.g., for research).
• Make sure the room is accessible.

3. Submit the Animal Therapy Request Form

• Submit your request at least 2 weeks in advance. 

4. Wait for Email Confirmation 

• Our team will match your group with an available therapy dog and handler. Only one dog and handler will be assigned per visit, especially during high-demand periods like final exams. 

5. Arrange Parking for the Handler 

• Make parking arrangements close to the visit location. Use McGill’s Visitor Parking Reservation form. 

Follow Your Plan! 

Our therapy dog teams are volunteers and their time is valuable. Last-minute changes may not be possible. If any adjustments are needed, please email us at swhat.hub [at] mcgill.ca as soon as possible. 

*This form does not apply if you work within the Student Wellness Hub.

Community Outreach
 

SWHAT Community Service:

Looking for animal therapy in the Montreal community? In addition to our work at McGill, our teams visit Montreal senior residences, addiction rehab programs, drop-in centers for the homeless, palliative care units, CEGEPs, or wherever there is a need.

Contact swhat.hub [at] mcgill.ca (subject: SWHAT%20Community%20Service) (Student Wellness Hub Animal Therapy)

SWHAT Reading Paws:

An innovative and fun program organized in collaboration with Montreal libraries and schools. Offered throughout the year, our teams provide a relaxed, non-judgmental environment where children can practice and improve their reading skills by reading to a certified therapy dog.

We also visit classrooms for students with special needs.

Contact swhat.hub [at] mcgill.ca (subject: Reading%20Paws) (Student Wellness Hub Animal Therapy)