Virtual canine comfort: A new stress buster

Technology Jul 02, 2025

Turns out, just five minutes watching a virtual therapy dog video can noticeably lower your stress.
Researchers from the University of British Columbia and Brock University found that these quick sessions helped people feel calmer—especially those who might avoid traditional mental health support because of stigma.

Study included over 1,000 people

The study included over 1,000 people (mostly students), and after watching the virtual pups, their stress scores dropped a fair bit—students went from 3.33 to 2.53, adults from 3.07 to 2.43.
Women seemed to benefit more than men.
While there were some study limitations, the takeaway is clear: virtual therapy dogs could be an easy, affordable way to manage stress when you need a quick mood boost.