In recent years, animal assisted therapy has gained increasing recognition as a complementary treatment method for people experiencing mental health challenges. Far beyond the cute cuddles and tail wags, this powerful therapy taps into the emotional bond between humans and animals to support healing, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.
Let’s explore what makes animal assisted therapy more than just a feel-good trend—and how it’s changing lives.
What Is Animal Assisted Therapy?
Animal assisted therapy (AAT) is a structured, goal-oriented treatment that involves trained animals as part of a person’s mental health or physical therapy. Unlike simply owning a pet, AAT is guided by professionals like therapists or counselors who integrate the presence of animals into formal treatment plans.
Animals used in therapy can include:
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Dogs – the most common therapy animals
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Cats
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Horses (equine-assisted therapy)
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Rabbits
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Birds
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Miniature pigs
These animals are trained to be calm, friendly, and responsive to human cues. They help clients open up emotionally, reduce anxiety, and feel supported in a nonjudgmental environment.
The Science Behind Why It Works
You may wonder—how can simply petting a dog or riding a horse have therapeutic effects?
Here’s what science says:
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Lowers cortisol levels: Interacting with animals reduces stress hormones, which helps regulate mood.
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Increases oxytocin: Known as the “bonding hormone,” oxytocin promotes emotional connection and trust.
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Improves heart rate and blood pressure: Petting an animal can physically calm the nervous system.
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Stimulates dopamine: A feel-good neurotransmitter that improves motivation and mood.
This unique blend of physiological responses explains why animal assisted therapy is now being used in settings like:
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Trauma recovery programs
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PTSD and anxiety treatment
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Addiction recovery centers
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Schools and educational therapy
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Elder care and memory support
Benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy in Mental Health Treatment
1. Emotional Connection Without Judgment
Animals offer unconditional love. For people struggling with trauma, depression, or substance use, forming trust with a nonjudgmental creature can be the first step toward opening up to human connections.
2. Reduces Feelings of Isolation
Loneliness is a major challenge for individuals recovering from mental illness. A therapy animal provides companionship that helps reduce social anxiety and encourages interpersonal engagement.
3. Helps with Emotional Regulation
Therapy sessions can be intense. A dog by your side, for example, can help regulate emotions during difficult conversations by providing a calming and grounding presence.
4. Encourages Routine and Responsibility
Taking care of an animal—feeding it, grooming it, or walking it—establishes routine and responsibility, both of which are crucial for recovery and long-term well-being.
5. Enhances Engagement in Therapy
Clients are often more motivated to participate in sessions when animals are involved. It breaks the tension and makes therapy feel more accessible and enjoyable.
Real-Life Stories: Healing With the Help of Animals
Emma’s Journey Through Depression
Emma, 27, struggled with major depressive disorder for years. Traditional talk therapy left her feeling emotionally stuck. When her therapist introduced a golden retriever named Benny into sessions, everything changed.
“Benny didn’t care what I said or how I looked,” Emma shares. “He just sat with me and listened. I started talking more freely, and therapy began to work for the first time.”
John’s Recovery From Addiction
After completing a 90-day inpatient rehab program, John was introduced to an equine-assisted therapy group. Learning how to groom and lead a horse helped him build confidence and reestablish a sense of purpose.
“Horses are intuitive,” John says. “They knew when I was nervous or closed off. Working with them taught me to slow down, breathe, and communicate more honestly.”
These personal experiences showcase how animal assisted therapy meets people where they are—emotionally, physically, and mentally.
Animal Assisted Therapy vs. Emotional Support Animals
It’s important to distinguish between animal assisted therapy and other forms of animal support.
| Type | Description | Trained? | Used in Therapy? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animal Assisted Therapy | Integrated into a clinical setting by trained therapists | Yes | Yes |
| Emotional Support Animal (ESA) | Offers comfort and emotional stability, often for anxiety or PTSD | Not always | No |
| Service Animal | Trained to assist with physical or psychiatric disabilities (e.g., guide dogs) | Yes (intensively) | No |
AAT requires formal structure and is part of an overall treatment plan, which sets it apart from simply owning a pet or using an ESA.
Where Animal Assisted Therapy Is Making an Impact
1. Addiction Recovery Centers
Therapy animals are frequently incorporated into rehabilitation programs, particularly for individuals recovering from substance use disorders. These animals help ease anxiety, build trust, and create safer emotional spaces.
2. Children’s Hospitals and Autism Programs
Kids respond exceptionally well to therapy animals. They help children develop social skills, manage stress, and feel more relaxed during medical or therapeutic procedures.
3. Veterans with PTSD
Many veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder report feeling calmer and more present with a therapy dog at their side. The bond encourages mindfulness, grounding, and stability.
4. Elder Care and Memory Support
For seniors, especially those with dementia or Alzheimer’s, interaction with therapy animals can spark memory recall, reduce agitation, and provide emotional warmth.
How to Find Animal Assisted Therapy Services
If you or someone you know could benefit from this type of therapy, consider the following steps:
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Check with local mental health clinics to see if they offer AAT.
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Search for certified AAT programs in your area through organizations like Pet Partners or the American Humane Association.
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Ask your therapist if they partner with any therapy animal handlers.
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Look for specialized AAT programs at treatment centers like Shine Mental Health, where holistic therapy models are integrated with evidence-based care.
Things to Consider Before Starting AAT
Before jumping in, it’s good to understand a few things:
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Allergies – Make sure you or the client is not allergic to the therapy animal.
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Phobias – Some individuals may have a fear of certain animals.
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Goals – Work with a professional to define what you hope to achieve through animal assisted therapy.
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Animal Suitability – Not all animals are suited for therapeutic work. Certification and training are key.
Always ensure the program is run by trained professionals and the animals are evaluated for health, temperament, and behavior.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Animal Assisted Therapy
Animal assisted therapy is no longer just a trend—it’s a powerful, evidence-supported therapeutic tool that brings heart, healing, and hope to those who need it most.
If traditional therapy methods feel overwhelming or inaccessible, AAT offers a unique bridge to healing—one built on fur, feathers, hooves, and above all, empathy.
Quick Recap of Animal Assisted Therapy Benefits:
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Builds emotional connection and trust
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Reduces stress and promotes relaxation
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Encourages communication and engagement
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Helps manage anxiety, trauma, and depression
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Provides structured healing through routine and care
If you’re interested in learning more or integrating animal assisted therapy into your healing journey, explore the benefits here to see how pet therapy can help transform your mental health path.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What animals are used in animal assisted therapy?
Common animals include dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, and birds. The choice depends on the therapeutic setting and client needs.
Is animal assisted therapy covered by insurance?
It depends on your insurance provider and whether the therapy is administered by a licensed professional. Always check with your provider.
Can children participate in animal assisted therapy?
Absolutely. AAT is especially effective for children with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and trauma histories.
Is it the same as having an emotional support animal?
No. AAT is conducted in structured sessions by professionals. Emotional support animals are more informal and not part of a clinical treatment plan.
Are there risks involved?
Minimal. Most programs use certified, calm animals. However, clients with allergies or animal fears should consult with their therapist beforehand.
