The Joys of Pet Therapy
Jazzie and Max, our canine therapists
The Joys of Pet Therapy
How Our Furry Friends Boost Our Well-Being
There’s a reason so many of us light up when we see a wagging tail or feel the soft nudge of a furry friend. Animals have a natural way of calming, comforting, and connecting with us—and this is the heart of pet therapy. Also known as animal-assisted therapy, it’s a gentle yet powerful way to support both physical health and emotional wellbeing.
The benefits of pet therapy are becoming more widely recognised. Let’s explore how our animal companions help us heal, grow, and feel more connected.
Emotional and Psychological Benefits
Soothing Stress
Spending just a few minutes with a therapy dog or cat can help our bodies shift into a calmer state. Research shows that time with animals lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) and boosts oxytocin (the “cuddle hormone”). For people managing anxiety, depression, or trauma, this soothing effect can be life changing.
Lifting Mood and Easing Loneliness
Animals offer unconditional love and companionship. Their playful energy sparks laughter, lightens the load, and helps us feel less alone. For many, pet therapy creates a sense of joy and purpose that can be hard to find elsewhere.
Encouraging Connection
Therapy animals can also make social interaction easier. In schools, hospitals, and aged-care settings, they often act as natural icebreakers, encouraging conversation and connection in a safe, supportive way.
Physical Health Benefits
Supporting Heart Health
The simple act of stroking a dog or cat can reduce blood pressure and slow the heart rate. Over time, these calming effects support heart health and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Walking or playing with animals also gets people moving, which is great for overall wellbeing.
Pain Relief
Animals are wonderful at providing distraction. Their presence may help to shift attention away from pain and towards something positive and comforting. This can be especially helpful for people recovering from surgery or navigating medical treatment.
Boosting Mobility
Therapy animals often play a role in rehabilitation, encouraging movement in a way that feels more like play than exercise. For people with mobility challenges, this motivation can be an important step towards improved strength and flexibility.
Benefits Across Life Stages
Children and Teens
Young people, especially those living with anxiety, developmental challenges, or behavioural difficulties, can benefit hugely from pet therapy. Animals help boost confidence, communication, and emotional regulation. In schools, they bring warmth and calm to the classroom.
Older Adults
For seniors, particularly those in aged care or living alone, pet therapy offers companionship and comfort. Interacting with animals can ease loneliness, stimulate memory, and provide a sense of purpose.
Living with Illness
For people with chronic health conditions, therapy animals can be a source of stability and emotional support. They may bring comfort during treatments and companionship during more difficult times, often easing stress and anxiety for both patients and their families.
The Healing Presence of Animals
Pet therapy is about the connection, the companionship, and the reminder that we don’t have to face life’s challenges alone.
Whether it’s a therapy dog visiting a hospital ward, or an online counselling session where clients share the joy their pets bring into daily life, the healing power of animals is clear. They remind us to slow down, stay present, and welcome comfort in simple, meaningful ways.
At Graceful Empowerment Counselling, I work with women across Bayside and online who are looking for calm, balance, and connection in their lives. While I don’t provide pet therapy to my clients directly, I encourage clients to explore the many healing benefits of animal companionship as part of their wellbeing journey. And my dogs, Jazzie and Max are usually at my feet during online counselling sessions.