What are Therapy Pets?
A therapy pet is an animal that visit schools, nursing homes and hospitals. They can soothe their human companions, provide emotional support and help a patient on their journey towards health. Therapy pets are well-trained, great with people and have a calm temperament. Such therapy animals may include dogs, cats, horses, reptiles and birds, among others.
A cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment can increase stress and anxiety and even lead to depression. One effective way patients can cope with these emotional changes may be through utilizing therapy pets, also known as emotional support animals.
How Does Pet Therapy Work?
Pet therapy can provide mental and physical benefits. A special bond begins to form by spending quality time with a therapy animal or engaging in physical touch through petting or cuddling. As a bond grows between a human and animal, it can create a soothing effect for the patient. Further, as animals are judgement-free, this might provide a more calming environment for the patient as opposed to interactions with other humans.
A relationship with a therapy pet can help patients decrease levels of cortisol and increase levels of endorphins. Cortisol is a hormone associated with stress, while endorphins are hormones associated with stress-relief.
There may be noticeable changes in the patient including reduced boredom, increased social interaction, improved general mood and decreased loneliness. Studies have also shown that therapy pets can decrease pain, blood pressure, fatigue and depression while increasing energy levels and mental stimulation.
How Do Service Animals & Therapy Animals Differ?
There is a difference between a service animal and a therapy animal. A service animal has specialized training to do tasks and assist in the day to day living of a person with disabilities. Service dogs receive more rigorous training. They also have special privileges/laws relating to travel, public places and housing that therapy pets might not have. Further, a service animal serves their owner while a therapy animal visits healthcare facilities with their personal owner.
Is a Therapy Pet Right for Me?
While there are benefits to pet therapy, it certainly is not for everyone. For instance, if you are not an “animal person” or if you are afraid of animals, being around pets may actually cause more stress. Further, some people have allergies to pets, so pet therapy may cause unwanted physical discomfort. Lastly, depending on the type of treatment you receive, your immune system may be compromised. If you have a weakened immune system, you may need to limit contact with pets, depending on your doctor’s instructions.
How to Get Involved
If you have an interest in participating in pet therapy, ask your doctor if they know of any programs associated with your hospital or treatment center. If this is not an option, spending time with a family pet or a friend’s pet will offer similar benefits as a therapy animal.
Sources
- Halm, M.A. (2008, July). The Healing Power of the Human-Animal Connection. American Journal of Critical Care, 17(4) 373-376. Retrieved October 5, 2013, from https://aacnjournals.org/ajcconline/article-abstract/17/4/373/714/The-Healing-Power-of-the-Human-Animal-Connection?redirectedFrom=fulltext
- Housecall: The healing power of pets | Mayo Clinic
- ASPCA Animal-Assisted Therapy Programs. (n.d.). American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Retrieved October 5, 2013, from aspca.org/nyc/aspca-animal-assisted-therapy-programs
