Pete's Pet Posse is one of OSU's treasures and this year the program celebrates ten years of serving the OSU family. It is the nation's most comprehensive, university-based pet therapy program. Currently, 61 pet therapy teams are working on four OSU campuses as part of our America's Healthiest Campus® initiative. In June 2023, 21 new teams will begin serving in Stillwater and OSU-OKC will have two teams begin serving in Fall 2023. That will bring the total number of teams serving to 84 teams on 5 campuses.
The pet therapy teams bring joy and celebration to the campus and a little bit of home for students often stressed with grades, tests, and life changes. Pet therapy teams also work with University Counseling in times of crisis when the dog's unconditional love reaches hearts in ways humans cannot. These dogs have made their way into the very heart of OSU making us smile and helping us cry in difficult times.
"As a physician, I know animals play a positive role in people's health. There is something about animals that make people happier and healthier. We always thought they did, but there is actually scientific research to support that idea."
Kayse Shrum, D.O., President, Oklahoma State University
Pete's Pet Posse has made incredible strides while being self-funded. Your gift can help offset a variety of student engagement and maintenance costs including miscellaneous items such as vests, collars, leashes, backpacks, shirts, trading cards, and additional expenses for each pet therapy team. These items are needed during therapy visits to clearly identify therapy pets and also to engage students.
Giving Levels
- $10 - A gift of $10 will cover the cost of the university ID for therapy dogs.
- $20 - A gift of $20 will cover the cost of a custom water bottle for one therapy team.
- $60 - A gift of $60 pays for a custom backpack for one therapy team.
- $100 - A gift of $100 will pay for one dog's OSU custom tartan plaid vest.
- $1,000 - The program has a variety of high-level needs as it relates to student engagement, programming, and operations.
- $1,500 - Adopt a current pet therapy team of your choice and support the wellness efforts of these teams. Sponsorships assist in replacing/upgrading gear and supporting general costs associated with student engagement and maintaining the program. Included in the $1,500 gift is a professional photo with the pet therapy team as well as an opportunity to attend a pet therapy visit. Based on team availability.
When you support Pete's Pet Posse, you help shape the future for Oklahoma State University. By contributing during Give Orange, you make our future a brighter orange!
