Animal-Assisted Therapies in Mental Health Services

Mental health challenges affect millions worldwide, often leaving people searching for effective ways to cope and heal. One approach gaining attention is animal-assisted therapy and the use of animals in therapeutic approaches. The therapeutic use of animals uses the bond between humans and animals to support emotional and psychological well-being. This approach offers a unique, compassionate way to help people manage stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.

What Are Animal-Assisted Therapies and Therapy Animals?

First things first…this is not the same as having a service animal.

Have you ever had troubles expressing your thoughts or didn’t feel fully comfortable in sharing with someone new? Animals can help with that without being a service animal!

Common animals used:

Dogs

Horses

Cats

Birds

Rabbits

Etc.

Whether it’s the soft purr of a cat, the calming presence of a dog, or even the gentle gaze of a rabbit, animals have been shown to have a profound impact on our mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Animal-assisted therapies involve trained animals working alongside mental health professionals to support clients. These animals interact with individuals to promote relaxation, reduce feelings of loneliness, and encourage social interaction. Unlike casual pet ownership, this therapeutic approach is structured and goal-oriented, designed to complement traditional mental health treatments.

The presence of an animal can create a safe space for people to open up emotionally. Animals offer nonjudgmental companionship, which helps reduce anxiety and build trust. For example, a person struggling with social anxiety might find it easier to engage in conversation when a therapy dog is present.

How Animals Can Support Mental Health

Anyone who has or had a pet in their life will have most likely reaped the benefits of having a comfort companion when not feeling 100%.

The therapeutic use of animals can support mental health services in the following ways:

Goal-oriented: Interactions with the animal are part of a specific treatment plan with measurable objectives, facilitated by a professional.

Calming presence: Animals provide a comforting, non-judgmental presence that lowers anxiety and blood pressure, helping clients feel more open to talk therapy.

Motivation & skills: Activities with animals can motivate behavioural activation, aid physical rehabilitation, build nurturing skills, improve empathy, and enhance social interaction. Dogs are often part of animal-assisted therapy, and walking, playing, or even just interacting with them can promote physical activity. This is especially important for those who may be physically or mentally restricted and might not engage in regular exercise otherwise. Movement, even in small doses, has positive effects on both physical health and mental well-being.

Reducing stress & anxiety: Physical contact with animals, such as petting or hugging, triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone that lowers stress levels. Studies have shown that petting an animal can lower blood pressure and reduce anxiety levels. The rhythmic act of stroking an animal's fur can be soothing, helping to bring an individual into the present moment and provide relief from overwhelming emotions.

Animals provide a source of comfort, helping to calm both the body and mind. This calming effect helps people feel more grounded during therapy sessions.

Improving mood & overall well-being, including reducing depression: Interaction with animals encourages the release of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters linked to happiness and pleasure. This natural boost can help lift mood and combat symptoms of depression. One of the most important benefits of animals in therapy is their ability to offer emotional support. For those struggling with depression, anxiety, or trauma, having an animal present can offer a sense of comfort and relief. Animals do not judge, and their presence allows individuals to express their feelings in a safe space. This non-verbal companionship can sometimes allow people to open up in ways they might not have been able to with a human therapist.

Encouraging social interaction & increases communication: Animals can act as social catalysts, making it easier for individuals to connect with others. This is especially helpful for children or adults who struggle with social anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, or other conditions that make connecting with others difficult. Group therapy sessions with animals often see increased participation and communication. The increase in comfortability and engagement promotes just how animals can provide a safe way to engage socially without the pressure of human judgment.

Building trust and emotional awareness: Animals respond to human emotions, which helps individuals become more aware of their feelings. This awareness is a key step in many therapeutic processes. Through interactions with therapy animals, individuals can develop a greater understanding of their own emotions as well as empathy for others. Many animals display clear emotional cues, such as wagging tails, purring, or changes in body language, which can help people tune into their feelings. These interactions foster emotional intelligence, self-regulation, and the ability to respond to others' emotions with kindness.

Examples of Animal-Assisted Therapy in Practice

Animal-assisted therapy can take many forms, depending on the needs of the person being treated. Here are a few types:

• Equine-Assisted Therapy: Horses are used in a variety of therapeutic settings, particularly for physical rehabilitation and mental health. Their size and strength, combined with their ability to sense human emotions, make them unique in supporting individuals through challenges like PTSD or trauma. Working with horses teaches patients to develop trust, patience, and emotional regulation. For example, veterans with PTSD have found equine therapy helpful in managing trauma symptoms.

  • Additionally, horses foster co-regulation of nervous systems and offer regulation as a response to somatic/physical experiences as well.

    • Co-regulation is when one nervous system helps another calm down and feel safe. Horses are surprisingly good at this because:

      - They’re extremely sensitive to nervous systems. Horses pick up on breathing, muscle tension, heart rate, and emotional shifts. When you slow down, they often mirror it — and when they’re calm, your body tends to follow.

      - They model regulation in real time. A relaxed horse breathes deeply, moves rhythmically, and stays grounded. Being near that can help your own system settle without you “trying” to calm down.

      - They respond to presence, not performance. Horses don’t care what you say — only how regulated you are. That feedback loop gently encourages awareness and self-soothing.

      - Touch & rhythm helps. Grooming, leaning against a horse, or riding at a walk provides slow, repetitive sensory input, which is very regulating for the nervous system.

      - They create felt safety. For many people, being accepted by a large, nonjudgmental animal builds trust and safety fast — key ingredients for co-regulation.

This is why equine-assisted therapy is often used for trauma, anxiety, attachment wounds, autism, and emotional regulation work.

• Canine-Assisted Therapy: Dogs are the most commonly used animals in therapy. They are well-known for their ability to connect with people and help reduce stress. Dogs naturally co-regulate through warmth, steady breathing, and attunement, aiding generalized anxiety, panic and stress overload. While offering a safe, nonjudgmental connection, canines can help rebuild trust and secure attachment, especially for people who struggle with human connection by encouraging eye contact, verbalization, and emotional expression through acting as a social "bridge" without added pressure. Petting a dog can also lower cortisol, blood pressure, and heart rate, aid in emotional regulation, grief, pain reduction, and behavioural challenges.

  
  

Compared to horses, dogs are:

• Easier to access

• Better for close physical contact

• Stronger for attachment repair and day-to-day regulation

• Ideal for indoor, frequent, low-threshold support

• Feline-Assisted Therapy: Cats can help people feel calm and relaxed, especially for individuals who find dogs too energetic. Their soft purring and ability to sense their human's emotions make them wonderful companions for therapy sessions.

  
  

• Small Animal Therapy: Rabbits, guinea pigs, and birds are also used in therapeutic settings. These smaller animals can be less intimidating, especially for younger children or individuals who may be afraid of larger animals.

  
  

• Animal-Assisted School Activities: Some schools use therapy animals to support students with emotional or behavioural challenges, improving focus and reducing disruptive behaviour.

• Dogs in Hospitals and Clinics: Dogs visit patients to provide comfort during stressful medical treatments. In designated mental health clinics, therapy dogs help reduce anxiety during counselling sessions.

How to Access Animal-Assisted Therapy

If you are interested in exploring the therapeutic use of animals, consider these steps:

• Consult a Mental Health Professional

Talk to your therapist or counsellor about incorporating animals into your treatment plan. They may recommend certified programs or practitioners.

• Look for Certified Programs

Ensure the therapy animals and handlers are properly trained and certified by recognized organizations. This guarantees safety and effectiveness.

• Consider Your Preferences and Needs

Different animals and therapy types suit different people. For example, some may prefer the calm presence of a cat, while others benefit from the active engagement of a horse.

• Explore Local Resources

Many hospitals, clinics, and community centres offer therapeutic programs that involve animals. Research what is available in your area.

What to Expect During a Session

Animal-assisted therapy sessions vary depending on the setting and goals but generally include:

• Introduction to the therapy animal and handler

• Guided interaction with the animal, such as petting, grooming, or walking

• Therapeutic activities designed to address specific mental health goals

• Reflection and discussion with the therapist about the experience

• Companionship within the therapy room

Sessions usually last 30 to 60 minutes and can be individual or group-based. The focus remains on creating a supportive environment where emotional exploration and healing can take place.

The Science Behind It

You may have heard that spending time with pets can reduce stress, but what does the science say? Studies have shown that interacting with animals can trigger the release of several feel-good hormones in the brain, including:

• Oxytocin: Often called the "bonding hormone," oxytocin increases during positive interactions with animals, creating a feeling of connection and trust.

• Endorphins: These natural painkillers help to boost mood and alleviate stress.

• Serotonin: This neurotransmitter plays a key role in mood regulation and is often linked to feelings of happiness and contentment.

Additionally, spending time with animals can lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. It’s no wonder that many people feel more relaxed, centered, and grounded after a session with a therapy animal!

Important Considerations

While animal-assisted therapies offers many benefits, it is not a replacement for professional mental health treatment. Instead, it works best as a complementary approach alongside counselling, medication, or other therapies.

People with allergies, fear of animals, or specific phobias should discuss these concerns with their mental health service provider before starting therapies that include the use of animals. Safety and comfort are priorities in all sessions!

The Future of Animal-Assisted Therapy

As research continues to explore the therapeutic potential of animals, it’s likely that we’ll see more widespread use of animals in both formal and informal therapeutic settings. Whether it’s in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, schools, or even in private therapy practices, animals are showing that they can provide significant emotional, mental, and physical benefits. Many people find their connection with animals to be healing in ways that traditional therapy sometimes cannot achieve, thanks to the deep bond and non-verbal communication that exists between humans and animals.

Conclusion

Animal-assisted therapy is a gentle reminder that healing comes in many forms. Whether it’s through the wag of a tail or the soft purr of a cat, animals provide comfort, support, and a sense of peace for those who need it most. They offer not only companionship but also a deeper, unspoken connection that can foster personal growth, resilience, and well-being. As we continue to learn more about the therapeutic benefits of animals, it’s clear that these furry, feathery, or scaly friends are much more than just pets – they are true healers in their own right.

If you’re looking for a unique way to support your own mental or physical health, consider giving therapy animals a try – you might just discover the healing power of a simple cuddle or playful interaction with a furry friend!