Benefits of
Animal Therapy

Mental Benefits

• Reduces anxiety and depression: Animal interaction naturally lowers stress hormones (like cortisol) and increases feel-good chemicals (like oxytocin and serotonin).

• Helps with PTSD and trauma recovery: Animals provide grounding and non-judgmental presence, which helps people process trauma safely.

Social Benefits

• Builds trust and empathy: Caring for an animal teaches compassion and emotional connection.

• Improves communication skills: Especially helpful for people in recovery, or in group therapy—animals help break the ice.

• Reduces loneliness and isolation: Especially beneficial for people in recovery programs.

Cognitive Benefits

• Enhances focus and attention: Particularly in people with ADHD or learning difficulties.

• Animals help bridge the emotional and rational brain by creating calm, safe environments where people can think more clearly.

• This is especially helpful in trauma recovery or emotionally dysregulated clients.

​Emotional Benefits

• Improves mood and self-esteem: Even brief time with animals can lift spirits and increase confidence—especially when clients help care for them.

• Boosts motivation and engagement: In therapy settings, animals help people open up faster and stay more involved in sessions.

Physical Benefits

• Lowers blood pressure and heart rate: Studies show that petting or being near animals calms the body.

• Encourages movement and physical activity: Activities like grooming, walking, or riding help improve motor skills, coordination, and strength.

• Supports sensory regulation: For people with sensory processing challenges, animals offer gentle input through touch, sound, and motion.

Developmental Benefits

• Supports routine and responsibility: Feeding, cleaning, or interacting with animals builds structure and accountability.

• Boosts learning in educational settings: Animals make learning more engaging and memorable, especially for visual or hands-on learners.