La Meritorious Autonomous University of Puebla (BUAP) It has established itself as one of the leading institutions in the use of support animals to care for the mental health of its students. Through the Center for Emotional Support and Occupational Therapy (CAETO), the university has consolidated a assisted therapy program in which several rescued dogs have become key allies to accompany psychological processes.
This approach, which integrates dogs of stray origin or victims of abuse In a structured therapeutic environment, the program not only provides emotional tools for university students and staff, but also offers a new lease on life for the animals. The initiative aligns with a growing trend in Europe and other countries, where animal-assisted therapy is increasingly seen as a serious and professional complement to traditional psychological care.
A pioneering university center for emotional support
El CAETO of BUAP It has established itself as an innovative space dedicated to managing emotional well-being within the academic environment. From this center, support sessions are organized for students experiencing stress, anxiety, difficulties adapting to university life, or complex personal situations.
According to university sources and local media, the main objective is for the university community to have a safe place where receive professional psychological supportThis is further enhanced by the presence of dogs specifically trained to interact calmly and respectfully. Far from being an informal activity, the program is planned and supervised by specialists.
The implementation of this model is linked to an institutional strategy promoted by the rector Lilia Cedillowhich has committed to integrating mental health as a key aspect of student well-being. Within this framework, Dog-Assisted Therapy (DAT) serves as an additional resource that complements traditional psychological support services.
CAETO has thus become an example of how a university campus can incorporate structured emotional intervention programs with animals, something that could serve as a reference for universities in Spain and other European countries interested in similar initiatives.
Rescued dogs as co-therapists
One of the most striking features of this program is that approximately 75% of dogs The animals participating in the sessions were rescued from the streets or from abusive environments. Far from being limited to a symbolic role, these animals perform very specific functions within the therapeutic intervention.
Before joining CAETO, the dogs go through a process of care, socialization, and specialized trainingThis allows them to adapt to environments with unfamiliar people, noise, sudden movements, and constant changes. The goal is for them to be able to participate in the sessions safely, both for themselves and for the service users.
In daily activities, dogs act as co-therapists in therapyTheir presence helps many people relax, reduces initial tension, and opens up more easily to conversations with psychologists and therapists. For some students, petting a dog, playing with it, or simply sharing a few quiet minutes is a first step in expressing what they are experiencing.
The professionals who coordinate these therapies emphasize that the emotional bond created between student and animal can promote processes such as anxiety management, coping with academic stress or work on self-esteem. It is not about replacing traditional therapy, but about introducing an element that improves the emotional state of the person being treated.
Co-therapist team and program organization
Currently, CAETO has 22 full-time co-therapists assigned to the program, in addition to several dogs that participate part-time under the care of responsible guardians. If all the new additions are included, the number rises to approximately 34 canine support units, encompassing both permanent presence and occasional collaborations.
Partial participation means that some dogs live with families or guardians affiliated with the university, but regularly attend the center to participate in the sessions. This model allows for... a wider network of available animals without needing to concentrate them all in a single space, which also reduces stress and makes it easier for them to maintain a more varied daily life.
Dog-Assisted Therapy sessions are guided by psychologists, occupational therapists, and other specialists They are trained in both mental health and the handling of support animals. They decide which dog will intervene in each case, the type of activity to be carried out, and the duration of the session, always based on the needs of the person being served.
The program's organization also includes rest protocols for the animals, limits on the number of daily sessions each dog can participate in, and a continuous recording of their behaviorThis aims to preserve their well-being and prevent them from being overwhelmed by constant interaction with people going through delicate emotional situations.
Animal welfare as a central focus
CAETO has structured its work around a welfare scheme based on the five animal freedomsAn international standard that sets out the minimum principles to guarantee a dignified life for animals under human care. These freedoms include the absence of hunger and thirst, physical discomfort, pain or disease, as well as the ability to express natural behaviors and protection from fear and distress.
To comply with these principles, the dogs participating in the program receive regular veterinary care, proper nutrition and specific health checks to detect any physical or behavioral problems early. They also have spaces for play, rest, and recreation outside of therapy sessions.
The center's team also emphasizes the emotional well-being of the animals themselves. Through socialization activities, positive reinforcement, and clear routines, they strive to ensure the dogs feel safe in the university environment and maintain a stable and trusting relationship with the professionals who work with them.
This holistic approach to well-being is especially relevant in the case of dogs with a history of abandonment or violencewho may carry fears or insecurities. Patient and progressive work allows many of them to transform over time into trusting animals, capable of bonding with people and actively participating in the sessions.
Impact on the university community and projection of the model
The presence of these dogs on campus has had a palpable impact on students' perceptions of mental health. It is increasingly common for students to identify the CAETO (Center for Attention to People with Mental Illness) as an accessible resource where Seeking psychological help is not seen as something stigmatizing.but as a normal part of personal care.
At the same time, the program helps to raise awareness about the Responsible adoption and respect for animalsThis shows that a rescued dog can not only adapt to a structured environment but also play a valuable role in providing emotional support. This idea aligns with European campaigns that emphasize the importance of giving abandoned animals a second chance.
Experiences like that of the CAETO at BUAP can serve as a guide for universities and educational centers in Spain and Europe that are studying integration therapy assisted by rescued dogs in their own guidance services. The combination of professional rigor, care for animal welfare, and a preventative approach to mental health aligns with the recommendations of many experts in psychology and animal protection.
With a program that brings together specialists, students, and rescued dogs in the same emotional support space, BUAP shows how an academic institution can practically address two very current challenges: mental health care and animal welfare, leaving the door open for similar initiatives to be adapted to other European university contexts.
