This is reported by Kyiv24
The capital hosted a pet therapy event for students of Mariupol State University, featuring police dog handlers, psychologists, and service dogs, during which the benefits of interacting with animals in overcoming the psychological consequences of war were discussed.
Pet Therapy as Part of the National Mental Health Program
The event was part of the national mental health program “How Are You?” initiated by First Lady Olena Zelenska. For several hours, the university’s front office became a space of trust, support, and calm, where students could get to know the four-legged helpers of the capital’s police better. Participants observed the work of service dogs, interacted with them, and personally experienced the therapeutic effects of live contact with animals.
Practical Exercises and Personal Stories
During the event, representatives from the “Ukrainian Association of Pet Therapy” and the “Chaplain Patrol” shared modern methods of involving animals in psychological support, explained the mechanisms of this approach, and shared stories of individuals whom these furry rescuers helped regain their sense of safety.
Psychologists and dog handlers from the Kyiv police demonstrated exercises typically used with children and adults who have experienced stressful events. A particularly touching moment was the speech by Anar Jafarov, a former prisoner of war, who shared his own rehabilitation journey after captivity and the role of interacting with animals in that process.
“A warm and sincere event transformed the university’s front office into a space of trust, support, and calm for several hours.”