The Benefits of Pet Assisted Therapy: Everything You Need to Kn…

In a hospital ward in downtown Vancouver, BC, young Benjamin is waiting patiently for his next chemo session. With his mom at his side, Benjamin is a sprightly 12-year-old, hard-lucked to be diagnosed with leukemia. His tenacious will, medications, and constant chemotherapy keep him alive.

“He’s a fighter!” says his Mom, Cheryl. “We’ve been doing this for the past year.”

But then, a dog with a blue “MAMA’s BOY” stenciled bandana around its neck prances into the room and the entire mood changes. Young Benjamin’s face lights up instantly. His delicate, vulnerable form, transformed by his disease, immediately reclaims its once tenacious demeanor.

“He’s a happy boy when he sees Mama’s Boy! This is the reason why we come to this clinic. This short time with Mama’s Boy can change the mood of our entire day,” Cheryl exclaims.

Mama’s Boy tail wags happily, and with a nod from his owner, he dashes across the room and leaps onto Benjamin’s lap. Their embrace is reminiscent of old friends meeting after a long time apart. Mama’s Boy licks Benjamin’s face and sits on his lap, very appreciating of the attention of the little boy. His owner, Jules, looks on with a happy smile and offers a treat to Benjamin.

“Wanna give him a treat?”

“Yes!…gooooood boy.” His mom is happy.

This picture may remind you of a scene from a movie, but it is one of the many animal-based therapies available to improve a patient’s mental and physical issues. Therapy Dogs is a Vancouver-based program that provides human-animal interactions to improve the physical, emotional and psychological lives of individuals who need it. The program links a small group of volunteers who share their time and love for their pets with others. Some common environments for these furry therapy creatures include hospitals, retirement homes, mental health clinics and even prisons.

Animal-assisted therapy has been shown to provide a highly effective and innovative alternative to conventional therapies for a range of medical and psychological conditions. There are numerous benefits associated with this approach, including:

1. Soothing Anxious Souls: Animal-assisted therapy creates a serene and healing atmosphere for individuals grappling with autism or anxiety disorders. Specifically, bonding with dogs can diminish anxiety and enhance communication skills.

2. Compassionate Companions: Pets offer solace to children coping with grief or loss. Research indicates that children with pets display improved behavior and maintain a brighter outlook compared to those without pets. Moreover, pet ownership can foster happiness and mitigate feelings of loneliness.

3. Nurturing Self-Worth: Pet therapy has been proven to bolster patient self-esteem, satisfaction, vitality, and mood while alleviating depression.

4. Fostering Engagement: Animal therapy promotes social interaction, encouraging exercise and playful behavior. It can also decrease the risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease.

5. Easing Tension: Animal therapy extends its benefits to family members and visitors. Often, these individuals also experience stress, and incorporating pet therapy into their routines can help alleviate some of the pressure. Pet therapy can also reduce the stress levels of hospital staff, contributing to a healthier and more positive environment.

When it comes to administering pet therapy, it’s important to remember that it’s a team effort between a trained animal, its handler, and the person receiving the therapy. If you’re considering animal therapy, have an open discussion with your doctor, who can help you determine if it’s right for you and guide you through the process. For pet owners who want to share the love and healing power of their pets with others, it’s essential to complete a series of requirements to ensure the safety and well-being of all involved.

1. Proper training and certification: Both the animal and its handler must undergo proper training and receive certification from a reputable organization, such as Pet Partners or Therapy Dogs International. This ensures that the animal is well-behaved, has a suitable temperament for therapy, and can handle various situations and environments.

2. Regular pet health check-ups: The therapy animal must be healthy and up-to-date on vaccinations, as well as undergo regular veterinary check-ups to ensure its well-being and prevent the transmission of diseases.

3. Liability insurance: The handler should have liability insurance to cover any potential accidents or injuries that may occur during therapy sessions.

4. Supervision by a healthcare professional: Pet therapy sessions should be conducted under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional, such as a doctor or therapist, who can monitor the progress and well-being of both the patient and the animal.

5. Proper hygiene and cleanliness: Both the handler and the therapy animal must maintain proper hygiene and cleanliness to minimize the risk of infections and allergies.

6. Tailored therapy sessions: Each therapy session should be tailored to the specific needs and preferences of the individual receiving therapy, taking into account factors such as their medical conditions, allergies, and comfort level with animals.

In the realm of animal-assisted therapy (AAT), research has illuminated a beacon of hope for those grappling with various mental and physical health challenges. Beetz et al. (2012) discovered that AAT not only alleviated stress, anxiety, and depression, but also fostered meaningful social connections and enhanced emotional well-being. Likewise, Johnson et al. (2003) found that Alzheimer’s patients experienced a notable improvement in agitation and social engagement through AAT. Adding to this, Braun et al. (2009) revealed how AAT instilled a sense of tranquility among patients undergoing chemotherapy. Collectively, these findings indicate that AAT holds immense promise to transform lives and guide individuals towards a journey of healing and comfort.