Therapy and service animals are playing a growing role in campus life at Montclair State University, where students and staff rely on dogs and other support animals for comfort, inclusion, and well-being.
Makayla Snyder, a student at Montclair State University, attends classes with Katherine, a yellow Labrador retriever in training to become a guide dog for people with vision loss. Snyder describes how classroom environments help prepare Katherine for her future role. “I’ll give her a bone if she’s being a little antsy,” Snyder says, “but most times she’ll sleep.”
Across the university’s campus, therapy dogs, service animals, and emotional support pets have become part of daily routines. These animals contribute to efforts to promote mental health and foster a sense of community among students and staff.
“For our students, these animals bring comfort, connection and community – reflecting the very heart of Montclair’s mission,” says Dawn Meza Soufleris, vice president for Student Development and Campus Life.
Therapy dogs such as Summer work with University Police and Victim Services through trauma-informed wellness programs supported by grants. Other dogs like Charley and Pebbles participate in student events or live in residence halls to help students feel more at home. The Disability Resource Center approves more than 30 emotional support animals that reside with students on campus.
During periods such as finals week, the Office of Health Promotion organizes wellness events featuring therapy animals—including rabbits and ponies—to help students manage stress.
Senior Associate Provost Joanne Cote-Bonanno notes the calming effect these interactions can have: “We have seen for years with our dogs and the students how they bring calm. Sometimes a student just sits with a dog and pets them for a while, because that’s what they need at that moment.”
Montclair State University is recognized for its partnership with The Seeing Eye organization. Students like Snyder train guide dog puppies on campus. Sara Brocken, an MBA student raising her fourth puppy-in-training named Fuji, explains: “We get the puppies at seven to eight weeks old, and they’re with us for about a year. Once they’ve had all their shots, we bring them everywhere – baseball games, hockey games, classes. I even brought Fuji to vote. Anywhere we can expose them, we do.”
Cote-Bonanno also trains puppies alongside her husband John: “We brought our puppy to a theater production on campus. The staff welcomed us and gave us a special section to sit in. Once the puppies reach six months old and are in their official vests, they learn to settle and observe quietly, which isn’t easy for young dogs but is vital for their training.” She adds: “It’s rewarding for us and the puppies, but it’s also meaningful for those around us. People become more comfortable and less apprehensive about service animals when they see them in the community.”
Trisha Silvasy from Treasury and Finance shares how her service dog Loki has been essential due to his ability to alert her during medical emergencies: “For people like me who have disabilities, our service dogs are our lifeline.” Silvasy further comments on Montclair’s inclusive animal policy: “We’re not just trying to do the right thing; we really are doing the right thing, the right way.”
Charley—a golden retriever who began as an emotional support animal for women’s basketball—has gained popularity both on campus through wellness events called “Paw-ffice Hours” as well as media appearances beyond Montclair State University.
“Her presence changes the energy in a room,” says Courtney Cunningham-Jones from Student Services within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences as well as special assistant coach of Red Hawks women’s basketball team. “It’s hard to be upset, anxious or overwhelmed when a golden retriever is running toward you,” she says.
Pebbles—a mini chocolate labradoodle known as Montclair’s “pupscot”—frequently attends university events including Welcome Week celebrations or surprise visits during finals season alongside handler Thea Dyer from Housing Operations.
Dyer notes Pebbles’ journey from being overlooked due to her curly tail: “For the puppy that no one wanted, she’s now the puppy that everyone wants.” Students assist Dyer by helping train Pebbles so interactions remain positive: “We want her to be prepared so interactions can be the best they can be at that moment,” Dyer says.“But she’s a dog at the end of the day so you’ve got to give her some grace.”
Prospective students interested in supportive services involving therapy or service animals are encouraged by Montclair State University officials to connect with its Disability Resource Center.
Journalists seeking further information may contact Montclair Media Relations regarding interviews or additional resources.
