Pet therapy, also known as animal-assisted therapy, is a therapeutic practice that involves using trained animals, typically pets, to provide comfort, support, and companionship to individuals in various settings, such as hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and rehabilitation centers. The presence of animals is believed to enhance emotional well-being, reduce stress, and promote healing by providing a sense of purpose and social interaction. The therapy can include activities such as petting, playing with, or interacting with the animals, and can be conducted in individual or group settings. Pet therapy is often utilized to aid individuals coping with mental health issues, physical disabilities, chronic illnesses, or emotional challenges, leveraging the bond between humans and animals to facilitate positive psychological and physical outcomes.
Pet therapy programs have gained popularity in healthcare facilities in recent years, offering numerous benefits to patients and staff members alike. These programs involve trained therapy animals visiting hospitals and…