The Department of Companion Animal Studies at Silla University is taking steps to establish a campus-wide mental health support system utilizing animal-assisted therapy.
On July 3, Silla University (President Heo Namsik) announced that its Department of Companion Animal Studies and the UNIST Healthcare Center have signed a business agreement focused on jointly operating programs based on animal-assisted therapy.
On June 25, the two institutions agreed to cooperate on several key areas: joint operation of animal-assisted therapy programs, providing opportunities for field training and internships, developing integrated and interdisciplinary health promotion programs, and conducting joint research and academic exchanges. The signing ceremony was attended by Professor Bae Ilkwon of Silla University's Department of Companion Animal Studies and Jung Dooyoung, Director of the UNIST Healthcare Center.
The Department of Companion Animal Studies at Silla University will be expanded and reorganized into the School of Companion Animal Studies in 2026. Through the newly established major in Animal Behavior and Assisted Therapy, the university plans to train practical professionals by integrating counseling, behavioral correction, and other therapeutic skills. Currently, the affiliated Animal-Assisted Support Center serves as a hub for operating community-linked programs.
The UNIST Healthcare Center, a partner in this agreement, is the only integrated mental health support center in Korea that combines psychiatry, psychological counseling, nursing, and pharmacy. The center has been implementing animal-assisted therapy programs with therapy dog Bree, realizing a science-based emotional care model.
Director Jung Dooyoung stated, "Animal-assisted therapy is an effective approach for emotional stability and psychological recovery," adding, "I hope this will become an opportunity to create a warmer healing environment on our science-focused campus and transform our mental health support system."
Professor Bae Ilkwon emphasized, "This agreement marks the starting point for connecting academia and the field, as Silla University's professional training system meets UNIST's innovative practical cases. We expect it will provide tangible benefits to all members of both institutions."
Officials from Silla University Department of Companion Animal Studies and UNIST Healthcare Center are conducting a business agreement.
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