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Dogs de-stressing University of North Florida students during finals

To quell test anxiety, the University of North Florida collaborated with the Canine Companions for Independence program.

The collaboration brought service dogs to campus, where students could pet them to reduce test anxiety.

In a UNF library poll, students voted that the dog activity was the most enjoyable stress-relieving activity UNF provided.

Data bolsters the students’ opinions. Numerous studies found petting dogs reduces cortisol levels and enhances serotonin levels. A study in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine found that talking to dogs and petting worked better than human-to-human conversation in reducing blood pressure.

Nursing student Andrea Escobar spoke about how much she enjoyed petting the dogs after a grueling pharmacology exam.

“Well, the dogs are really cute and they're furry. It takes your mind off books and exams and everything,” she said.

CCFI uses specially-bred Labradors and retrievers for their service program.