A woman wearing a red sweater crouches down to pet a golden retriever that is wearing a plaid vest and leash. The dog looks calm and happy with its tongue slightly out. Another golden retriever is partially visible in the background, and people in orange and blue clothing surround the scene.

OSU hosts first Pete’s Pet Posse symposium

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Media Contact: Page Mindedahl | Communications Specialist | 405-744-9782 | page.mindedahl@okstate.edu

Pete’s Pet Posse, Oklahoma State University’s pet therapy program, hosted its inaugural symposium on Wednesday, April 30, at the Oklahoma State University Student Union Ballroom.

The event explored the transformative impact of pet therapy on campus well-being and academic success.

Established in 2013 by former First Cowgirl Ann Hargis, Pete’s Pet Posse has grown into the nation’s most comprehensive university-based pet therapy program. With nearly 90 therapy teams across OSU campuses, P3 became instrumental in enhancing the emotional well-being of students, faculty and staff through professionally trained and nationally certified pet therapy teams.

“We really want to let people know the breadth and depth of exactly what we're doing because we are far more than just bringing your dog to work,” Hargis said. “It's so much bigger than that and far-reaching. I think our research makes that clear.”

Representatives from fellow Big 12 Conference schools were in attendance, as well as Southeastern Conference and Vance Air Force Base representatives, to learn more about creating a similar program at their respective institutions.

The symposium, “Pawsitive Paths,” ran from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Attendees engaged with therapy teams, participated in sessions on the benefits of pet therapy, and learned about the program’s research initiatives.

OSU President Jim Hess opened the event, noting his personal experience with P3 while he was with the OSU Center for Health Sciences.

“I had the opportunity at the Center for Health Sciences many times to see medical students who were suffering from extreme anxiety and stress be calmed and prepared for the next step in their journey because of interactions with Pete’s Pet Posse,” Dr. Hess said. “I always kept treats in my desk for anybody who was interested. The bacon and cheddar treats are specifically my dog Spotty’s favorite.”

The event celebrated over a decade of service and highlighted the impact therapy teams had on the OSU community. Organizers shared the program’s journey and insights with others interested in the healing power of pet therapy.

Since its inception, Pete’s Pet Posse has touched more than 300,000 lives through nearly 5,000 special appearances, providing comfort during high-stress periods and times of tragedy. The program’s success inspired similar initiatives at other institutions and became a model for integrating pet therapy into campus life.

“Over the years, this program has grown into the most comprehensive university-based pet therapy program in the nation,” said Kendria Cost, director of Pete’s Pet Posse. “Our therapy dogs and their handlers are an integral part of the OSU experience, providing comfort, connection, and a little bit of tail-wagging joy to students, faculty, staff and the entire Cowboy family.

“Beyond the everyday impact of our therapy dogs, we are also deeply committed to advancing the field of pet therapy through research.”