Puppy power heads to Bolton university
Research suggests that interacting with a pet decreases the level of cortisol ('stress hormone') and releases endorphins ('happiness hormone').
Stressed students in Bolton will become the latest to benefit from a calming 'puppy room' to help combat exam stress.
A curly coated retriever named Zara will be offering a little canine TLC to students at the University of Bolton who are facing their January assessments.
By introducing the scheme, the University of Bolton has joined other educators in the UK and the US who use similar methods.
Research suggests that interacting with a pet decreases the level of cortisol ('stress hormone') and releases endorphins ('happiness hormone').
Zara's owner, Fiona Valentine, is the university's disability service manager. She said: "For any student facing exams, stress levels can be high. Stress can be a motivator, but it can also be overwhelming.
"We're going to be asking students for feedback to see whether they find spending time with Zara helps."
The charity, Pets as Therapy (PAT), tested Zara to make sure she has the correct temperament for supporting people. PAT provides therapeutic visits to hospitals, hospices, nursing and care homes, among other establishments.
Zara will initially be available at Bolton's Student Centre, Chancellor's Mall, on the first two Tuesdays of January (5th and 12th).
Image courtesy of the University of Bolton
The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.
