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.”