What Are the Benefits of Pet Therapy?

At Hillside Lodge Care Home, we’re committed to supporting our residents’ overall wellbeing, both physically and emotionally. One of the most heart-warming and effective ways we do this is through pet therapy—also known as animal assisted therapy. From friendly therapy dogs to calming guinea pigs, these loving creatures bring a wide range of physical and mental health benefits to those who spend time with them.

But what exactly is pet therapy, and what are the benefits of pet therapy for people living in nursing homes or managing medical conditions? In this blog, we explore how therapy animals can improve lives, lift spirits, and even help to manage certain health conditions.

What is Pet Therapy?

Pet therapy, or animal assisted therapy (AAT), is a guided interaction between a person and a trained animal. These interactions are designed to help individuals recover from or cope with physical, mental, or emotional challenges. Therapy sessions may be one-on-one or part of a group, and they often involve petting, feeding, grooming, or simply spending time with the animal.

While dogs are the most common therapy pets, other animals such as cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and even miniature horses are sometimes used. These animals are specifically selected and trained to be gentle, calm, and comfortable around people.

Health Benefits of Pet Therapy

The health benefits of pet therapy are widely recognised and backed by growing scientific research. Human-animal interactions can trigger the release of feel-good hormones like oxytocin and serotonin, while reducing the production of stress hormones like cortisol.

Here are just a few of the ways pet therapy supports better physical health and mental health:

1. Mental Health Benefits

One of the most significant benefits of pet therapy is the positive impact it has on mental health. People who regularly interact with therapy animals often report:

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For those living with mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, having regular access to therapy pets can provide a comforting presence. The simple act of stroking a dog or cuddling a guinea pig can offer a calming effect, creating a moment of peace and connection that breaks through negative thoughts.

In care homes like Hillside Lodge, this can be especially helpful for residents adjusting to new surroundings or coping with cognitive decline.

2. Physical Health Benefits

Pet therapy can also have a profound impact on physical health. For example:

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Even just reaching out to pet an animal can support the development or maintenance of motor skills, particularly in residents recovering from strokes or living with arthritis. Meanwhile, individuals who take part in walking or playing with therapy dogs benefit from increased movement and improved physical activity levels.

3. Support for Specific Health Conditions

Pet therapy is particularly beneficial for individuals living with certain health conditions, including:

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By tailoring therapy sessions to each resident's needs, pet therapy can offer targeted support as part of a broader physical therapy or rehabilitation plan.

Emotional Benefits and Companionship

One of the most immediate effects of pet therapy is the emotional response it triggers. Whether it's laughter, smiles, or a sense of calm, these reactions are often spontaneous and deeply genuine.

1. Reducing Loneliness and Isolation

In nursing homes, where residents may be far from family or long-time friends, regular visits from therapy animals can offer companionship and emotional connection. This interaction fosters a sense of being seen and valued—something that’s incredibly important for mental wellbeing.

2. Decreasing Feelings of Stress and Anxiety

The soothing presence of a gentle dog, soft cat, or cuddly guinea pig can help to lower stress levels and provide a much-needed break from medical routines or emotional distress. For many people, these therapy animals become trusted companions.

Social Benefits and Communication

Another important advantage of pet therapy is its ability to encourage social interaction. Animals are natural icebreakers. In group therapy sessions, they often become the centre of attention and spark conversations between residents who might not otherwise speak to each other.

This increase in social interaction can help develop or maintain social skills, particularly among residents with dementia or autism spectrum disorder. For individuals who struggle with verbal communication, interacting with animals can be a non-verbal yet meaningful form of connection.

Encouraging Routine and Responsibility

Though therapy animals aren’t owned by residents, the act of feeding, brushing, or caring for them (under supervision) can offer a sense of routine and purpose. This helps create structure in the day and can increase motivation, especially for those with low mood or fatigue.

These activities also support the development or maintenance of fine motor skills, and can be a valuable part of a physical therapy programme aimed at improving joint movement and coordination.

The Power of Dogs and Other Therapy Animals

Therapy Dogs

Dog therapy is the most common form of animal therapy, and it’s easy to see why. Dogs are friendly, loyal, and intuitive animals who naturally respond to human emotion. Therapy dogs are specially trained to remain calm in busy environments and are comfortable being petted and handled by people of all ages.

They are especially effective in:

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Other Animals

While dogs are a staple of animal assisted therapy, many nursing homes also benefit from visits from other animals. For example:

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Each animal brings its own unique set of qualities, and the variety helps ensure therapy remains stimulating and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Are Therapy Animals the Same as Service Animals?

It’s important to note that therapy animals are not the same as service animals. Service animals are highly trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities (such as guiding someone who is blind or alerting someone with epilepsy). In contrast, therapy pets are trained to provide comfort and emotional support but do not have the same legal rights as service animals in public spaces.

Making Pet Therapy Part of Everyday Life at Hillside Lodge

At Hillside Lodge Care Home, we understand the incredible impact pet therapy can have on our residents. That’s why we regularly host therapy sessions with visiting animals, creating opportunities for interaction, joy, and companionship.

Our pet therapy programme is tailored to our residents’ interests and abilities. Whether it’s watching a dog perform tricks, cuddling a rabbit, or chatting with fellow residents about their favourite pets from the past, these moments are always filled with smiles and laughter.

What Are the Benefits of Pet Therapy?

So, what are the benefits of pet therapy? In short, they are vast and varied—encompassing mental health, physical health, emotional wellbeing, and social interaction. From lowering blood pressure to easing symptoms of depression, from boosting motor skills to providing companionship, the presence of trained animals can transform everyday care into something truly special.

At Hillside Lodge, we’re proud to offer our residents access to these uplifting experiences. Because when it comes to enhancing wellbeing, sometimes the simplest solutions—like the wag of a tail or the soft purr of a cat—can be the most powerful of all.

Would you like to learn more about pet therapy at Hillside Lodge Care Home?
Get in touch with our friendly team to find out how we support residents through animal assisted activities, dog therapy, and other holistic approaches to care.