Our Team
Meet our Buckeye Paws administrative team.
Healing and well-being require more than medicine. That’s why The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center cares for people in meaningful, sometimes unexpected ways – including through the support and connections created by our two therapy dog programs: Buckeye Paws and Comfort Paws.
Research proves what many of us already feel: Dogs can bring calm and a sense of healing to even the most stressful situations. Time spent with a therapy dog may feel like a simple interaction, but it can have a powerful impact, helping to lift your mood and build resilience when you need it most.
Through both Buckeye Paws and Comfort Paws, we’ve harnessed the power of simple interactions between dogs and people for the benefit of our university and medical center communities.
Whatever connects you to Ohio State – work, studies or healthcare treatment – there's a therapy dog who’s eager to spend a few moments with you to help ease your anxiety and improve your overall outlook.
Learn more about Ohio State’s two therapy dog programs and how to schedule visits or volunteer
Ready to request a visit with man’s best friend – or to learn how to volunteer with one of the therapy dog programs at Ohio State?
Choose the program below that best fits your connection to Ohio State.
Buckeye Paws
This program is for faculty, staff and students of The Ohio State University, including healthcare teams at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
Comfort Paws
This program is for patients, families and visitors at healthcare locations across The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
In the news
The power of the paw: Ohio State dog therapy program helping ease stress
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.
Research shows therapy dogs improve mood of healthcare providers
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 healthcare workers say helps reduce emotional exhaustion and improve work engagement.
Spectrum News 1 story: OSU dog therapy program to help students relieve stress
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.