It may sound barking – but Queen’s University Belfast has become the first university in the UK to recognise the role of pets in education attainment with a special, light-hearted graduation. 

But this is not some hair-brained, dog-matic or cat-astrophic idea – it is based on research that shows the important degree of support animals can provide as study buddies.  

At an unofficial and informal ceremony, the University invited the four-legged friends of its graduates to strut down the catwalk and be snapped by the puparazzi, before accepting a Queen’s University Belfast honorary dog-torate cat-ificate in either Pawlitical Sciences, Barkitecture, Furensic Pawthology or Barketing. 

The University conferred 25 gradupets, which included a number of dogs, cats, and even a dwarf hamster, celebrating the furry friends who have supported their human through their time at Queen’s.  

Research has shown that time spent with pets can improve concentration levels and lower stress, two things that are particularly important when studying.  

Celebrating with Rico, his 13-year-old Jack Russell, Queen’s graduate Michael Murphy said: 

“I’m delighted to see Rico and the support he gave me throughout my studies being recognised and celebrated by the University, and it’s exciting to be a part of history at the UK’s first pet graduation ceremony of its kind.  

“Despite being a mature student in dog years, Rico is still full of beans and has been a great comfort during my studies. I am delighted to see his efforts recognised and to have another Queen’s graduate in the family!” 

 

Queen’s graduate Aaron Christie was there at the pet graduation with his cat Raphael:

"I'm thrilled to see Raphael's ongoing support being recognised and rewarded by the University. It's great to be a part of this ceremony as pets are such an integral part of the family, we would all be so lost without them. Raphael has been one of my best friends throughout my studies at Queen's; always there to give you a warm cuddle when you least expect it but just when you really need it, even if he has to walk all over my laptop! I'm grateful to have his contributions to my degree formally awarded and it would be great to see this tradition continued in years to come."

 

Celebrating seeing her Dachshund Milo graduating, Queen’s graduate Louise McCarthy said:  

"I am so pleased that Milo got to be a part of my big day through this opportunity. He has been the best study buddy throughout my Queen’s experience. This is an excellent opportunity to show him how much his support has meant to me in such a fun way!"

 

Adding to the comments, the organiser of Pet Graduation, Queen's Social Media Manager Stephen Baxter-Crawford said:

"Queen's has been changing the world since 1845 and as we enter our 180 year celebrations, we wanted to celebrate our graduates who are making a difference locally, nationally and across the globe. We know that pets reduce anxiety when studying. They are there every step of the way, often listening in as our students revise and maybe even picking up some knowledge too. So we wanted to recognise their commitment. Congratulations to the class of 2024 and everyone in their lives who has helped them achieve their dreams."

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