Pet Therapy: What It Does and How to Try It

Want a simple, low-cost way to feel calmer and more connected? Pet therapy can do that. Visiting a friendly dog, cat, or other trained animal can lower stress, lift mood, and make tough medical days easier. This page cuts straight to what works, who benefits, and how to try it without wasting time.

How pet therapy helps

Pet therapy reduces anxiety fast. When you stroke a calm animal your body releases oxytocin and lowers cortisol — that’s a real chemical change, not just a feeling. People with dementia often become more alert and less agitated after animal visits. For kids in hospitals, therapy animals can distract from pain and make procedures less scary. Veterans with PTSD report fewer flashbacks and improved sleep after regular sessions. Those are common, repeatable effects seen across clinics and care homes.

Pet visits also boost social connection. Animals give people an easy topic to talk about, which helps shy or withdrawn patients open up. In group settings, a therapy animal can spark conversation, memory sharing, and teamwork. For rehab patients, handling and walking a trained dog can encourage movement and practice of daily tasks.

Finding and using pet therapy safely

Not every animal visit is the same. Look for programs certified by a reputable group (therapy animal organizations usually test both handler and animal). Ask the provider about vaccination records, grooming rules, and infection control. If you have allergies, asthma, or an open wound, tell staff before a visit — many programs can arrange hypoallergenic breeds or brief, supervised contact instead.

Prepare for your first session: wear short sleeves or layers you can roll up, avoid strong scents, and tell the handler if you have mobility limits. Sessions usually last 15–30 minutes. If you’re a caregiver, plan questions for the handler about the animal’s signals and boundaries so contact stays safe and respectful for both of you.

Think about animal welfare too. Good programs limit visit length, give animals rest breaks, and retire animals from work when they show stress. A well-run visit benefits people and protects the animal from burnout.

Where to find programs: check local hospitals, hospices, nursing homes, schools, and community centers. Many nonprofits list certified teams online. If you want a one-off visit, look for volunteer groups that run reading programs or senior visits. For regular therapy, ask your doctor, social worker, or case manager for recommendations and possible insurance coverage.

Want to try pet therapy but can’t leave home? Tele-visits with videos of therapy animals or live-streamed interactions are growing. They don’t replace real touch, but they can still reduce loneliness and lift mood when in-person visits aren’t possible.

Pet therapy isn’t a cure-all, but it’s a powerful, evidence-backed tool that helps many people feel better, faster. If you’re curious, start with a short visit and see how your body and mood respond — small steps often make a big difference.