24/04/2025
Pet therapy, also known as animal-assisted therapy (AAT), is a therapeutic approach that involves interactions between people and trained animals to help improve a person's mental, emotional, or physical well-being. There are generally two types: Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT): This is a structured, goal-oriented therapy guided by a trained professional (like a therapist, doctor, or counselor). Animals—commonly dogs, but also cats, horses, rabbits, and even birds—are integrated into treatment plans to help with specific health goals (like improving motor skills, reducing anxiety, or supporting PTSD treatment). Animal-Assisted Activities (AAA): These are more casual visits from therapy animals in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, etc., aimed at improving general well-being through companionship, reducing loneliness, and lifting mood. Benefits of Pet Therapy Reduces stress, anxiety, and depression Lowers blood pressure and heart rate Encourages social interaction and communication Helps with rehabilitation (e.g., after surgery or a stroke) Provides comfort during trauma or grief