These services may be provided in various ways.
Risks of Animal Therapy
Animal therapy is generally considered safe.
The experience could cause additional stress that outweighs the potential benefits.
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Those with allergies or open wounds that could be infected also should be cautious.
Conditions Treated
Therapy animals support people with emotional and mental health challenges.
There has been other research showing the effectiveness of therapy animals in improving physical health conditions.
For example, animal-assisted therapy can be used to reducehigh blood pressure.
Other conditions where benefits may be seen include:
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility depends on the care setting and the condition of the person to receive the therapy.
American Psychological Association.Animal-assisted therapy.
2021 Sep 13;11(3):198-206. doi: 10.1159/000518469.
American Veterinary Medical Association.Service, emotional support, and therapy animals.
Helen Woodward Animal Center.Benefits of therapeutic riding.
Alliance of Therapy Dogs.What is the difference between a therapy dog vs. a service dog?
UCLA Health.Animal-assisted therapy research.
2020 Jun 8;185(5-6):e557-e564.
2023 Oct 13;23(1):363. doi:10.1186/s12906-023-04191-6.
