Pet therapy involves the use of animals to support the treatment of physical and mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and high blood pressure.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) defines pet therapy, also known as animal-assisted therapy (AAT), as the use of a specially trained animal that meets specific criteria as part of a treatment plan to improve physical, social, emotional, or cognitive functions.

This therapy is conducted by health professionals and is documented and evaluated for effectiveness.

Dogs and horses are the most commonlyTrusted Source used animals in pet therapy. However, cats, fish, guinea pigs, and other animals that meet screening criteria can also be used. The type of animal chosen depends on the therapeutic goals of a person’s treatment plan.

AAT is sometimes confused with animal-assisted activities (AAA), however there are distinctions between the two.

AAA can be delivered either by healthcare professionals or volunteers, in various settings, and uses trained animals to provide motivation and learning or to help people enjoy a better quality of life. Unlike AAT, these meetings tend to be less goal-orientated and structured in nature.

Pet therapy builds on the pre-existing human-animal bond.

Interacting with a friendly pet may helpTrusted Source many physical and mental issues. It may help reduce blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health. It can also release endorphins which produce a calming effect, help alleviate pain, reduce stress, and improve your overall psychological state.

Pet therapy can be used in many different ways. Defined objectives are an important part of therapy, and your progress will be recorded and tracked at structured sessions.

The goals of a pet therapy program may include:

  • improving motor skills and joint movement
  • improving assisted or independent movement
  • increasing self-esteem
  • increasing verbal communication
  • developing social skills
  • increasing willingness to join in activities
  • improving interactions with others
  • motivating willingness to exercise

Other benefits of pet therapy can include:

  • making you happier, lessening depression, and improving your outlook on life
  • decreasing loneliness and isolation by giving you a companion
  • reducing anxiety because of its calming effects
  • helping children learn empathic and nurturing skills

Pet therapy may be useful for people:

However, the extent of these benefits may vary among individuals.

Some of the biggest risksTrusted Source of pet therapy involve safety and sanitation.

People who are allergic to animal dander may have reactions during pet therapy. Also, while animals in pet therapy programs are typically screened for behavior and health, it’s still possible that human injury or infectious disease can occur when unsuitable animals are used.

Other risksTrusted Source are applicable to the animals used. Concerns have been raised, specifically in relation to therapy dogs, about:

  • exploitation of the animal
  • inadequate welfare practices
  • insufficient handler training
  • injuries to the animal
  • a lack of research on how these programs affect their well-being

Your doctor or therapist managing your treatment will administer pet therapy. A trained handler, often the pet’s owner, will take the animal to every meeting and work under your doctor or therapist’s direction to help you reach your goals.

In most cases, the handlers work as volunteers. Proper pet handling must be discussed to ensure the safety of both the person receiving treatment and the pet.

The first step in pet therapy is the selection of a suitable animal. Many groups and organizations train and connect volunteer owners and pets with healthcare providers.

Before an animal and its handler can participate in pet therapy, the team has to fulfill certain requirements.

Some of the AVMA’s requirements are:

  • a physical examination of the animal to confirm that it’s immunized and free of diseases
  • designation of a responsible person who will be accountable for the animal’s health, behavior, and welfare
  • an evaluation of the animal’s species, age, breed, and temperament
  • dogs and cats must be at least 6 months old and have undergone proper socialization and training

Meanwhile, the Animal Assisted Intervention International (AAII) suggests the following criteria must be met:

  • Pet handlers must hold formal education and credentials in healthcare or human services.
  • Pet handlers must also hold specialized training in AAT theory and practice.
  • Clear, measurable goals for therapy sessions must be established before the start of the program, with a plan for how the animal will be incorporated into therapy.

Once a team of an animal and a handler is approved, animals are assigned for therapy based on a specific person’s needs. The animal’s type, breed, size, age, and natural behavior will determine where it will be most helpful.

Pet therapy may help both children and adults with a variety of physical and mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and high blood pressure.

However, it’s important to discuss with your doctor or therapist about whether pet therapy might be a suitable addition to your treatment plan.

While pet therapy may offer various potential benefits, more rigorous research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness and limitations.