Making a PAWSitive Impact

Who We Are: 

The USF St. Petersburg is Pinellas County’s only residential, public Research 1 institution. We’re driven by student success, including providing a supportive and healthy environment to learn and grow.

Last year, the campus welcomed its first comfort dog, Snowbird, to assist our University Police Department with calls related to mental health and emotional support. As college campuses across the U.S. report a growing number of students suffering from mental health challenges, having a dog available to deliver quiet compassion and goodwill to students, faculty and staff is extremely beneficial. 

Fast Facts: 

• Snowbird is a 3-year-old Goldador, a golden retriever/Labrador retriever mix.  

• He is a facility therapy dog, which means he was trained to work in a facility such as a school, hospital or nursing home to provide comfort, support and therapeutic benefits.  

• Snowbird came to USF St. Petersburg from Dogs Inc., previously known as Southeastern Guide Dogs. Dogs Inc. and USF St. Pete have a longstanding relationship, as the campus is also home to the Puppy Raisers Club, where puppies from the organization live with students in the residence hall as they work toward careers as guide and service dogs.   

What We Do: 

The USF St. Petersburg Comfort/Therapy Dog Support Fund will help cover the care, training, feeding and other needs of dogs like Snowbird on our campus, ensuring they can continue providing unconditional love and emotional support to our community.  

Your Impact 

Addressing Mental Health: For many people, the warm, empathetic presence of a dog can provide great comfort. That’s particularly true on a university campus, where students experience heightened academic pressures and the adjustment to living away from home. Research has shown that petting a furry friend increases levels of oxytocin, a hormone associated with relaxation and bonding, while decreasing cortisol, the stress hormone.  

Fostering Community: In addition to mental health benefits, dogs on campus foster a sense of community and social interaction. Caring for a dog teaches important foundational life skills, including a commitment to feeding, grooming and exercising, which can help students develop a strong sense of responsibility. 

USF Faculty and Staff: You can give online through this site or complete this payroll deduction form (enter fund #PC0059, USFSP Comfort Dog Fund)  and email it to fscampaign@usf.edu. 

What Your Generosity Will Do: 

Your generosity ensures that comfort dogs like Snowbird continue to provide unwavering support to the USF St. Petersburg community. By contributing to the Comfort/Therapy Dog Support Fund, you help cover essential care, training, and feeding, allowing these incredible animals to offer companionship, reduce stress, and foster a sense of community on campus.

Your gift of any amount will help us reach our goal of 50 donors and unlock a $3,000 challenge gift from USFSP alumna Chloe Firebaugh '02. Thank you for your support!

Spread the Word 

We are counting on your help! Make an even bigger impact by sharing your support of this campaign using the social media tools at the top of this page. 

Need help with your post? Try this message: 

Join me in supporting our students, research, faculty — and amazing therapy dogs — at usf.to/stpete! Gifts of any size will directly impact USF students' well-being by supporting the care of comfort dogs like Snowbird. Thank you and go Bulls! #doglovers #Snowbird