What is Animal-Assisted Therapy

Animal-assisted therapy improves a person’s mental, physical, social and emotional functioning with the aid of animals (dogs, horses, dolphins, llamas, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, and other animals). Much more than simply spending time with an animal, animal-assisted therapy involves specific therapeutic goals, strategies and outcomes measures.

Individuals with emotionally based disorders in particular may find it difficult to open up and trust another human being, but quickly discover this process is much easier with a therapy animal. (dogtime.com)

Conditions Animal-Assisted Therapy Can Treat:

Autism spectrum disordersAddiction

Eating Disorders

Cancer

Heart disease

Dementia

Developmental disorders

Psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia

Emotional and behavioral disorders

Chronic pain

Benefits of Animal Therapy 

There is a strong bond between animals and people. Animals are accepting, non-threatening and non-judgmental, making it easier for people to open up. Some of the benefits of animal-assisted therapy include (pawsforpeople.org):

For mental health –

Decreases isolation and depression

Increases a feeling of calm

Bridges communication gaps

Provides comfort

Reduces boredom

Lowers anxiety and decreases agitation

Creates motivation

Reduces loneliness

Diminishes emotional pain in seniors

For physical health –

The act of petting produces an automatic relaxation response

Stabilizes blood pressure

Reduces the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, & stroke

Improves cardiovascular health

Breathing slows in those who are anxious

Diminishes overall physical pain

General benefits – 

Increases socialization /encourages communication

Helps person focus

Can bring person back to the present

Inner contentment

Maintains & increases motor skills

Increases movement in joints

Pet Therapy and Mental Health – DogTime.com

A wide range of mental health conditions are now treated through pet-therapy programs. Interactions with animals are considered to offer benefits to patients suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, autism, and challenging psychiatric disorders.

Animal therapy is used extensively to treat depression. Petting an animal is believed to cause the release of endorphins (feel-good neurotransmitters) which can have an extremely positive impact in patients dealing with depressive disorders. More detailed and developed interventions are often based on the premise that by focusing on the animal and its needs, the patient’s attention is drawn away from their own problems. Patients also have an opportunity to develop their nurturing skills and are encouraged to develop a sense of empathy with the animal.