Pets in Therapy: How Animals Help Heal the Mind and Heart
Animals have long been companions, but their roles have expanded into something even more profound: healers. Whether it’s a dog offering comfort during a counseling session or a cat easing anxiety in a hospital, therapy animals are transforming lives every day.
In this article, we’ll explore how pets are used in therapy and the emotional, psychological, and physical benefits they bring to people in need.
What Are Therapy Animals?
Therapy animals are specially trained pets—usually dogs, but sometimes cats, rabbits, horses, or even birds—that provide comfort, support, and companionship in structured settings. Unlike service animals, which are trained to assist individuals with specific disabilities, therapy animals interact with a wide range of people.
They’re often found in:
- Hospitals
- Nursing homes
- Mental health clinics
- Schools
- Disaster zones
Types of Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT)
- Emotional Support Therapy
Animals provide comfort to individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma. Their calming presence alone can reduce stress hormones like cortisol. - Physical Rehabilitation Therapy
In some settings, animals (especially horses and dogs) are used to motivate patients during physical therapy. Petting, brushing, or walking them helps improve motor skills and coordination. - Cognitive or Developmental Support
Children with autism or learning disabilities often benefit from animal-assisted therapy, where pets help promote communication, focus, and emotional regulation. - Crisis & Grief Therapy
Therapy dogs are commonly brought into schools, hospitals, or disaster areas following traumatic events to help people cope with loss, fear, or grief.
Mental and Emotional Benefits of Therapy Animals
- Reduces Anxiety and Stress
Interacting with pets lowers heart rate and blood pressure while increasing serotonin and dopamine levels. - Eases Symptoms of Depression
The affection and routine of caring for an animal can lift mood and provide a sense of purpose. - Improves Social Skills
Therapy animals help people open up emotionally, especially in group therapy settings or for children with social challenges. - Boosts Emotional Resilience
Stroking or cuddling a calm pet promotes feelings of safety, trust, and stability.
Physical Benefits of Therapy Animals
- Lowers Blood Pressure and Heart Rate
- Encourages Physical Activity (e.g., walking or playing with therapy dogs)
- Improves Motor Function during recovery or rehabilitation
- Reduces Pain Perception by distracting patients during treatments
Real-Life Impact: Who Benefits Most?
- Children with Autism or ADHD gain emotional regulation and focus.
- Veterans with PTSD find comfort and grounding from dogs trained to detect anxiety.
- Elderly individuals in nursing homes experience reduced loneliness and cognitive decline.
- Patients in hospitals recover faster when exposed to therapy visits.
- Students under stress during finals week report reduced anxiety with therapy animals on campus.
Popular Therapy Breeds
While any breed can be trained for therapy, common choices include:
- Golden Retrievers – gentle, intuitive, and friendly
- Labrador Retrievers – highly trainable and calm
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels – small, affectionate, and soothing
- Miniature Horses – used in hospitals and assisted living centers
- Cats & Rabbits – especially helpful in quiet settings with children or seniors
Image by Andreas Riedelmeier from Pixabay