The Amazing Benefits Of Pet Therapy

Pets, such as dogs and cats, are known for being irresistibly cute, fluffy, and just downright adorable. Not only do they provide unconditional love and constant companionship, but pets are also an amazing form of therapy for those suffering from physical and mental conditions, and who are often hospitalized. Put your paws up if you want to learn the benefits and the science behind why pet therapy works, and keep reading to 'retrieve' all of these details now!

What Is Pet Therapy?

Pet therapy, also known as animal-assisted therapy (AAT), is a guided interaction between an individual and a trained animal, which usually involves the animal’s owner or handler. The objective of pet therapy is to help an individual, typically a patient in a hospital or care facility, overcome or recover from a health problem or mental disorder. Dogs and cats are the most common animals used in pet therapy, however, horses, guinea pigs, rabbits, fish, and other animals that meet strict criteria can also be used. The type of animal chosen depends on the therapeutic goals of the individual’s treatment plan, what pet the individual prefers, and what their medical care team believes is the best fit.

AAT can sometimes be confused with animal-assisted activities (AAA), as AAT is a formal, structured set of sessions that help patients reach the specific goals of their treatment, whereas AAA is a more casual meeting in which the pet and their owner interact with one or more patients for comfort or recreation.

Pet therapy has numerous benefits for both the animal and the individual interacting with the pet. Keep reading to get an overview of the benefits this form of therapy offers.