WHAT IS IT? Animal Therapy is a growing field that uses animals and pets to help people of all ages to cope with health problems. A variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, horses and reptiles, are used in different types of therapy. It is used in primary and secondary schools, kindergartens, day care centres, speech therapist services and retirement centres. Animal Therapy can improve emotional, physical and mental health.
WHAT DOES IT DO? Studies have shown that using animals in therapy has excellent results in many areas. Animals can provide comfort and company, thus helping reduce loneliness. Simply petting a dog can help release endorphins that produce a relaxing and calming response.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? Animal Therapy has many benefits: encouraging exercise, lowering anxiety, reducing blood pressure, easing depression, producing a calming effect, helping with relaxation, comforting, easing loneliness, providing mental stimulation, and