In most cases, dedicated pet owners prioritize their pets’ well-being—nurturing, grooming, and offering them a cozy home, sometimes pampering them more than necessary. In return, pets, with their love and affection, bring joy and a sense of companionship to our lives. This mutual bond is the foundation of why many individuals benefit from having therapy animals!
Among the array of animals that can be trained for therapy services, dogs stand out as the most prevalent choice. Dogs are deemed the best therapy animals due to their innate affinity toward humans. However, it’s vital to recognize that preferences vary, and in some cases, dogs may not be the ideal choice for certain individuals.
Fortunately, there are various other animals that excel as therapy companions! Continue reading to explore more about them.
Exploring the Concept of a Therapy Animal
Therapy animals, also known as therapy pets, provide support to individuals in need. These animals undergo training to assist people recovering from diverse physical, emotional, or cognitive challenges.
This healing connection is based on the special bond people form with these animals. Therapy pets can visit hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and schools to offer solace and comfort to those requiring support.
While dogs are the most common therapy animals, other creatures like cats, rabbits, birds, and even horses can serve as therapy animals, provided they are well-trained, possess affable temperaments, and, most importantly, are friendly!
Understanding Therapy Animals vs. Service Animals
Therapy animals and service animals are often mistaken for one another. While therapy animals can be registered as service animals, they do not perform all the tasks service animals do. Service animals are specifically trained to assist people with disabilities in performing certain tasks—like acting as guide dogs for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
On the contrary, therapy animals reside with their owners as usual pets. Though they undergo training for basic commands, it is not as rigorous and elaborate as the training for service animals aiding disabled individuals. They visit various facilities to offer comfort and support, but they do not necessarily belong to the patients they serve.
Despite the distinctions between therapy animals and service animals, both offer significant benefits to individuals in need!
Dogs: The Most Favored Therapy Animal
Known for being traditional companions to humans, dogs are the most popular and often considered the best therapy animals due to their inherent connection with people. They are friendly, affectionate, brimming with personality, and generally easy to train. Dogs are intelligent and eager to please their owners, making it enjoyable for people to engage with them.
What sets dogs apart is their ability to form emotional bonds with individuals. They can discern when someone is feeling down, anxious, stressed, or unwell and offer support through companionship and physical contact!
Dogs are convenient to bring to facilities as therapy animals owing to their size and obedience. Nearly any dog can become a therapy dog, given they possess the right temperament, know basic commands, and certain breeds are preferred for their size, temperament, and trainability. Common therapy dog breeds include:
- Labradors
- Golden Retrievers
- Poodles
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
- Greyhounds
- Bernese Mountain Dogs
Who Can Benefit from Therapy Dogs?
Dogs, being the most favored therapy animals, can cater to a broad spectrum of individuals. Their playful nature, emotional connection, and distinct personalities make them adept at offering emotional support to those facing mental health struggles like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Moreover, they can provide an emotional bond and intimate companionship to elderly individuals battling loneliness. In addition to the elderly, they can assist children with developmental conditions in enhancing their social skills.
Dogs are also well-suited for indoor settings in facilities. Their indoor training and appropriate socialization make them excellent therapy animals for patients recuperating from illnesses and physical disabilities in places such as hospitals and rehab centers.
Instances Where Dogs Might Not Be the Best Therapy Option
Despite dogs being a popular choice for therapy animals, there are scenarios where they may not be the ideal selection. Some individuals may have severe allergies to dogs, even with breeds classified as hypoallergenic. As no dog breed is entirely hypoallergenic, those sensitive to allergies should avoid dogs.
Another scenario where dogs may not be suitable is when individuals harbor fear or anxiety around dogs. People with past negative experiences or fear of dogs may feel uneasy or anxious around them, hindering the purpose of having a therapy animal.
Exploring Other Popular Therapy Animals
While dogs top the list of preferred therapy pets, they may not suit everyone—as highlighted earlier. Besides dogs, various animals excel as therapy pets, including cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, and even horses!
Cats, similar to dogs, are convenient for various facilities due to their size. Cats offer a soothing presence and can provide comfort and support to individuals who prefer calmer or less energetic companions. Rabbits and guinea pigs are peaceful animals easy to transport between facilities. Their small and gentle nature makes them ideal therapy animals, especially for children or the elderly.
Unconventional therapy animals like birds can also provide companionship and a calming influence. Though horses are less discreet and not suitable for indoor facilities, they are known to be highly therapeutic. Horses can mirror human emotions, benefiting individuals dealing with mental, emotional, and psychological challenges.
As evident, there is a diverse range of therapy animals available. While a particular animal may suit some individuals better, it may not be the ideal choice for others. The best therapy animal is always contingent on the individual’s requirements, preferences, and circumstances!
Benefits of Pet Therapy
Therapy animals offer a myriad of benefits to individuals undergoing healing and recovery processes. Regardless of the type of therapy animal involved, they all positively impact a patient’s physical, mental, emotional, psychological, and overall well-being.
Benefits of pet therapy include:
- Emotional support and regulation
- Uplifted mood
- Socialization and social support
- Enhanced physical health
- Rehabilitation
- Stress and anxiety alleviation
- Companionship
Distinct Types of Pet Therapy
There are three types of pet therapy, with each requiring a specific skill set. Animals designated for particular pet therapy types undergo training to acquire the fundamental skills and commands necessary to serve as therapy animals.
1. Therapeutic Visitation
Therapeutic visitation is the most common therapy type. Pet owners bring their pets to centers and facilities to offer comfort and support to confined patients. Interacting with a pet in a medical setting can uplift an individual’s spirits, serving as motivation to recover and reunite with their own pets at home!
2. Animal-Assisted Therapy
Animal-assisted therapy involves pets aiding in various rehabilitation programs like physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. This integration of animals motivates patients to engage in their recovery process and encourages their progress.
3. Facility Therapy
Facility therapy is a more intricate form of pet therapy, where these pets reside within the facility. They are trained to engage with patients suffering from mental health issues, offering protection and support during their time in the facility.
Final Thoughts
Dogs are revered as classic human companions owing to their natural bond with humans. Hence, they are considered the top and most preferred therapy animals. They are intelligent, affectionate, empathetic, and possess the ability to forge emotional connections with individuals.
Although dogs stand out as the best therapy animals, numerous other animals also excel at offering therapy services. Irrespective of the animal species, the pivotal factor in selecting a therapy pet is understanding the individual’s preferences, needs, and circumstances to ensure effective recovery and provide comfort and support!
Related Read:
- How to Get a Therapy Dog: 4 Steps to Follow
Featured Image Credit: Monkey Business Images, Shutterstock
