Part 3 of 5
According to Mayoclinic.com Pet therapy is a broad term that includes animal-assisted therapy and other animal-assisted activities. Animal-assisted therapy is a growing field that depending on the function of the therapy, use various animals, including dogs, horses, and birds to help people recover from or better cope with health problems, such as heart disease, cancer and mental health disorders.
Therapy Animals aren’t entitled to special rights the way emotional support animals or service animals are, but they still provide an incredible service to those on the receiving end of their attention.
Therapy animals are commonly found in hospitals and nursing homes and their task is simple: to comfort people. Therapy animals can also be found on-site after major tragedies or natural disasters to offer emotional support to those in need.
Pet therapy is a type of complementary or alternative therapy. It should enhance but not replace other treatments. On the whole, the goal of animal assisted therapy is to alleviate or help people cope with some symptoms of various conditions where possible.
How does it work?
Animal therapy involves the animal’s handler, who is often the owner, bringing the animal to each session. The handler will work under a doctor’s guidance to help the person achieve the goals of their therapy. The goals of a pet therapy program can include:
- improving motor skills and joint movement
- improving assisted or independent movement
- increasing self-esteem
- increasing verbal communication
- developing social skills
- increasing willingness to join in activities
- improving interactions with others
- motivating willingness to exercise
Who should consider pet therapy?
Pet therapy can be useful for:
- people undergoing chemotherapy
- residents in long-term care facilities
- people hospitalized with chronic heart failure
- veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder
- children having physical or dental procedures
- stroke victims and people undergoing physical therapy to regain motor skills
- people with mental health disorders
The success of pet therapy depends on establishing realistic goals and expectations and meeting those goals. You and your doctor or therapist will establish these goals at the beginning of your treatment.
Talk to your doctor about more information on pet therapy and whether it is suitable for you.
To request an ESA or PSD evaluation or letter, please click the link.
