Pet therapy also known as animal-assisted therapy is an underutilized alternative healing modality but one with growing interest. Assisted living facilities hospitals schools and universities mental health facilities and addiction centers are quickly understanding the therapeutic value of this inexpensive yet effective adjunct therapy. A calm pet can provide a distraction from an unpleasant procedure or experience reduce stress and anxiety offer companionship and acceptance or open new avenues for physical therapy and healing touch. 

Dogs are the most commonly used animal for therapy but cats horses and other pets have provided healing assistance to numerous children and adults. This unique form of therapy not only offers a helpful and furry friend but opens the door for human companionship and compassion (yet another indirect adjunct healing modality) as therapy pet owners also participate in pet therapy visits.

The largest body of research has focused on the impact pet therapy has on elderly individuals with mental illness. Although strong methodology is lacking in many study designs the influence of pet therapy on mental wellness has been overwhelmingly positive. It has been shown to preserve and enhance mental function in assisted living residents with cognitive impairment. In a case trial of 65 nursing home residents with dementia pet therapy delayed the progression of symptoms of agitation/aggression and depression compared to the control group. And yet in another study depression was reduced by 50 percent and scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination improved when pet therapy was applied to elderly individuals affected by dementia depression and psychosis. Pet therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing depression among Alzheimer’s patients improving social skills and enriching the daily activities of the institutionalized elderly.

Geriatric individuals are not the only benefactors of pet therapy. Therapy pets are a part of a comprehensive healing plan in a variety of health challenges including cancer and fibromyalgia because of their ability to reduce pain and pain-related symptoms marked by decreased catecholamines and increased endorphins. They can also help reduce psychological distress and fatigue that may be initiated by other treatment regimens. Pet ownership in general has been associated with lower cardiovascular risks such as “lower blood pressure plasma cholesterol and triglycerides attenuated responses to laboratory-induced mental stress and improved survival following myocardial infarction compared with non-pet owners.” Whether these benefits are derived from the extra activity required to care for pets or from the psychological reprieve they offer it seems that the rapid rise in pet ownership may deliver the gift of improved health in adults.

Finally many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are taking advantage of the benefits of pet therapy. In fact facilities offering equine assisted activities (EAA) for children with ASD are emerging all over the country. In a study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders “parents noted significant improvements in their child's physical emotional and social functioning following the first 6 weeks of EAA.” A systematic review of 14 studies using animal-assisted intervention reported “improvements for multiple areas of functioning known to be impaired in ASD namely increased social interaction and communication as well as decreased problem behaviors autistic severity and stress.” Pet therapy brings high rates of satisfaction among families of autistic children and it seems to be a very promising modality in managing this condition and improving the quality of life in those with autism.

The pet industry seems to be one of the few businesses that withstood economic instability giving evidence of our dedication to our furry friends. Perhaps this trend also reveals a deeper need we have for the peace acceptance and reprieve we gain when interacting with these calm non-judgmental creatures.