The 2022 American College Health Assessment (ACHA) reported over 75 percent of college students surveyed indicating moderate to serious psychological distress, along with over 53 percent of students feeling lonely. Additionally, the Center for Collegiate Mental Health at Penn State 2022 Annual Report identified a significant increase over a 12-year period in college students seeking counseling services for social anxiety symptoms and isolation. These statistics demonstrate the gravity of this issue within higher education. Virginia Tech's Cook Counseling Center employs animal-assisted intervention in the form of embedded therapy dogs to help address student loneliness. These furry, adorable, and professionally trained facility dogs and their handlers, all licensed mental health providers, are part of an innovative strategy to increase awareness of counseling services and provide students with alternative opportunities to connect with mental health professionals.