Following the university's main batch of graduations this summer, about 25 animals participated in a special graduation ceremony.
According to Queen's, the gesture is supported by studies demonstrating the significant amount of assistance animals may offer as study partners.
At the unofficial and informal ceremony held at the university's renowned Lanyon Buildings, dogs, cats, and a hamster walked the red carpet to collect an honorary “dog-torate cat-ificate” in either “Pawlitical Sciences, Barkitecture, Furensic Pawthology or Barketing.”
They received recognition for their assistance to their humans throughout their stay at Queen's.
According to the university, studies have demonstrated that spending time with dogs helps enhance focus and reduce stress, two factors that are especially crucial when studying.
Michael Murphy, a graduate of Queen's, was thrilled to see his 13-year-old Jack Russell Rico recognised.
“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,” said the student.
“Rico is still full of beans and has been a huge comfort to me while I've been studying, even if he's a mature student in dog years. To have another Queen's graduate in the family and to have his achievements acknowledged makes me very happy.”
Louise McCarthy, a fellow Queen's graduate, stated that her five-year-old dachshund, Milo, was the ideal study partner.
“I am so pleased that Milo got to be a part of my big day through this opportunity,” she stated.
“He has been my greatest study partner during my time at Queen's. This is a great chance for me to express to him how much his help has meant to me in a lighthearted way.”