Buckeye Paws Program

About Buckeye Paws

Buckeye Paws was founded in March 2020 to promote the mental and emotional health of staff and faculty at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center by providing support and comfort through highly trained, certified therapy dog-handler teams. A visit with a friendly, nonjudgmental therapy dog can change the dynamics of the work environment, improve mood and decrease stress.

In March 2022, Buckeye Paws announced the expansion of the program to assist students, faculty and staff throughout The Ohio State University. The expansion is an example of how the university supports the health and safety of the Buckeye community.

To ensure the safety of patients, visitors, staff, students, and the therapy-dog handler team, a strict policy and protocol was developed. Each dog has been evaluated, certified, and trained on a quarterly basis by our Master Canine Trainer to participate and wear the Buckeye Paws uniform. All handlers are employees of the medical center or university that volunteer their time outside their roles and are trained in Trauma Informed Care and Mental Health First Aid. Buckeye Paws is a true peer assistance initiative.

Sign up for a visit from the Buckeye Paws program

Visits may be requested and scheduled for a group, department or unit by emailing BuckeyePaws@osumc.edu. There’s no charge for the visit with staff, faculty and students of The Ohio State University and The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Dogs must visit within a facility owned by the medical center or university.

Within The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Buckeye Paws are not able to visit Peri-op, Procedural, Oncology (James) units 11, 12, 14, 15 and 16 or James West Campus units 3 and 4.

We understand that people may have personal, cultural and medical reasons for avoiding or disliking dogs or pets. We’re cognizant of these issues and will avoid these interactions. The program follows a strict policy to ensure safe contact for everyone.

Be a part of our program

To participate as a Buckeye Paws dog-handler team, the handler must be staff or faculty of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center or The Ohio State University with their personal dog. Prior to being accepted to the Buckeye Paws program, each dog must be at least one years old, spayed or neutered, pass a temperament test and certified through AKC Canine Good Citizen and First Response K9.

To apply to join Buckeye Paws as dog-handler team, please email BuckeyePaws@osumc.edu.

All training before joining the Buckeye Paws program will be handled by an external trainer at the cost of the handler.