About Animal Assisted Interventions

Many studies have demonstrated significant evidence of the physical health benefits of pet ownership.  More recently, research is showing that animals can also help improve mental health, even for people with challenging disorders. Based on this research more and more clinical settings are opening their doors to animal-assisted interventions – a.k.a. pet therapy.  Frequently pets are now being used alongside conventional methods of treatment. 

​

The rise of animal therapy is increasingly backed by legitimate science showing that social support--a proven antidote to anxiety and loneliness--can come on four legs, not just two. Animals of many types can help calm stress, fear and anxiety in people from the very young to the elderly.  Individuals with emotionally based disorders in particular may find it difficult to open up and trust others, but they discover this process is much easier with a therapy animal.

Frequently reported benefits from animal assisted therapy include:

​

• Improved mood

• Reduction in levels of stress

• Increased self-esteem

• Improved communication skills

• Reduction of anger and aggression

• Decreased hostility towards self and others

• Improved social interactions

• Decrease in heart rate and blood pressure

• Improvements in self-esteem, patience, trust

• Sense of empowerment