Our Dogs
Meet the dogs in our Buckeye Paws Program.
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.
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.
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.
Ohio State’s unique approach to employee wellness is enhanced by the four-legged staff members of Buckeye Paws.
In this video, WBNS 10TV discusses the Buckeye Paws Program. Buckeye Paws was started at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center in March 2020 to help reduce stress and anxiety among hospital staff.
A new study by researchers at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, College of Medicine and College of Nursing proves the mood-boosting benefits of Buckeye Paws, a therapy dog program that many health care workers say helps reduce emotional exhaustion and improve work engagement.
Our furry friends not only bring a smile to our faces, but studies show that having an animal companion can help relieve stress, especially on college campuses.