The Benefits of Pet Therapy

At Manor Grange, we understand that wellbeing goes beyond medical care. It’s about nurturing the mind, body, and spirit — and one increasingly popular way to do that is through pet therapy, also known as animal-assisted therapy (AAT). Whether it’s a gentle dog resting its head on a resident’s knee, a friendly cat curling up beside someone, or even guinea pigs offering soft companionship, animals can bring warmth and comfort in ways that words sometimes cannot.

In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of pet therapy, looking at how therapy animals contribute to improved mental health, enhanced physical health, and greater overall wellbeing. We’ll also look at the research behind animal-assisted interventions, and why animal therapy is becoming such an important part of holistic care in nursing homes like ours.

What is Pet Therapy?

Pet therapy, or animal-assisted therapy (AAT), is a structured form of treatment that involves trained animals and qualified handlers working together to help individuals improve their physical, emotional, social, or cognitive function. These animals can include therapy dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, or even farm animals such as goats or horses.

Unlike casual pet ownership, pet therapy follows a therapeutic plan designed by healthcare professionals. Each therapy session is tailored to the needs of participants, whether it’s for physical rehabilitation, reducing anxiety levels, or encouraging social interaction.

The Science Behind the Human–Animal Bond

The human–animal bond has been recognised for centuries, but recent research studies have provided valuable quantitative data on its therapeutic benefits. Numerous randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews have demonstrated that human–animal interactions can lead to significant improvements in both mental and physical health.

For example, one randomized controlled study found that participants engaging in dog-assisted interventions experienced lower blood pressure, reduced physiological stress responses, and better emotional regulation. Another open access article published in a public health journal suggested that regular animal interactions could promote relaxation, elevate mood, and reduce stress levels across different age groups.

This growing body of evidence shows that animal-assisted therapy is much more than a comforting activity — it’s a complementary treatment that can support existing medical and psychological care.

The Mental Health Benefits of Pet Therapy

Many people experience mental health problems or psychiatric conditions such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For these individuals, therapy animals can offer an invaluable sense of calm and connection.

The calming presence of a dog, cat, or small animal has been shown to reduce anxiety levels and stress, particularly in group settings where participants may otherwise feel self-conscious or isolated. Simply stroking a pet can trigger the release of oxytocin — a hormone linked to feelings of trust, comfort, and emotional well-being.

Emotional Regulation and Improved Mood

Residents at nursing homes like Manor Grange often find that pet therapy sessions help improve emotional regulation and mood stability. The act of caring for or engaging with an animal provides gentle structure and purpose. Over time, this can increase motivation, enhance self-esteem, and reduce feelings of loneliness or low self-esteem.

Supporting Those with Mental Health Disorders

In individuals living with mental health disorders, regular animal-assisted interventions can encourage emotional expression and help them build positive coping mechanisms. For example, in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), therapy dogs have been used to provide emotional comfort, grounding individuals during moments of distress and supporting recovery as part of a broader therapeutic process.

The Physical Health Benefits of Pet Therapy

While the mental benefits of animal-assisted therapy are widely known, the physical health improvements are equally compelling.

Promoting Physical Activity and Rehabilitation

Interacting with animals often encourages gentle movement — stroking, brushing, or walking a dog can increase physical activity levels. In physical therapy or rehabilitation, incorporating trained animals can motivate participants to move more freely or complete exercises they might otherwise find difficult.

This makes animal-assisted therapy (AAT) particularly useful for older adults or those recovering from injury, illness, or surgery. The therapeutic relationship between person and animal often fosters a sense of joy and encouragement, which can lead to significant improvements in physical rehabilitation outcomes.

Heart Health and Blood Pressure

Scientific research studies have shown that human–animal interactions can positively affect cardiovascular health. Regular interaction with therapy animals can lower blood pressure, reduce heart rate, and support better heart health overall. These changes are partly due to the reduction in physiological stress responses — a clear example of how emotional calm can translate into physical benefit.

In fact, the American Heart Association and several UK public health studies have recognised pet therapy and pet ownership as beneficial for maintaining a healthy heart and promoting long-term wellbeing.

Social and Cognitive Benefits

Another powerful aspect of animal therapy is its ability to encourage social interaction and support the development of social skills.

Encouraging Communication and Connection

In nursing homes, residents may sometimes feel withdrawn or hesitant to engage with others. A visiting therapy dog or guinea pig can act as a social bridge, sparking conversations and laughter. These moments of shared joy strengthen relationships between residents, staff, and family members, enhancing the sense of community within the home.

Supporting Cognitive Function

For individuals with dementia or cognitive decline, animal-assisted interventions can improve cognitive function and focus. Engaging in simple routines, such as feeding or grooming an animal, can reinforce memory, stimulate conversation, and promote a sense of accomplishment.

Ethical Considerations and Animal Welfare

While there are many positive impacts of animal-assisted therapy, it’s also essential to consider ethical considerations and the wellbeing of the animals involved.

All therapy animals should be carefully selected and trained to ensure their comfort and safety in educational settings, nursing homes, or clinical environments. Handlers must ensure informed consent is obtained from all participants before sessions begin, and that potential risks — such as allergies or fear of animals — are assessed.

At Manor Grange, we work only with trained animals and certified handlers who follow strict welfare and hygiene guidelines. This ensures that both our residents and the animals have a positive, enriching experience throughout the therapeutic process.

Pet Therapy in Nursing Homes

The inclusion of pet therapy programmes in nursing homes has grown significantly in recent years. Many care settings now recognise that animal-assisted therapy can greatly enhance the wellbeing of older adults, especially those living with mental health conditions or limited mobility.

Regular visits from therapy dogs and small animals provide companionship, sensory stimulation, and emotional comfort. In addition, structured therapy sessions can form part of personalised care plans — complementing traditional physical therapy and other therapeutic approaches.

At Manor Grange, residents often describe these sessions as the highlight of their week. The laughter, smiles, and gentle interactions that follow are clear indicators of the therapeutic benefits at work.

What Research Says About Animal-Assisted Therapy

A growing number of systematic reviews and pilot studies continue to explore the effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy across various populations.

• Randomized controlled trials have demonstrated measurable reductions in stress levels, anxiety, and depressive symptoms following regular animal interactions.
• Studies have observed that patients recovering from surgery or stroke show significant improvements in physical rehabilitation when therapy animals are part of their treatment.
• In individuals with mental health disorders, animal-assisted therapy has been linked to better emotional regulation, improved self-esteem, and increased social support.

While the evidence is promising, further research is still encouraged to refine inclusion criteria, assess potential risks, and better understand the mechanisms that drive these positive effects.

Complementary Treatment for Emotional and Physical Wellbeing

At Manor Grange, we view animal-assisted therapy as a valuable complementary treatment alongside other established approaches. By integrating pet therapy into our activity programmes, we aim to nurture both emotional well-being and physical health.

The calming effect of spending time with an animal can help residents reduce stress, promote relaxation, and elevate mood — all key factors in maintaining overall wellbeing. Combined with professional care, balanced nutrition, and social engagement, pet therapy forms part of a holistic therapeutic approach that supports every aspect of life at Manor Grange.

The Power of the Human–Animal Connection

The evidence is clear: the benefits of pet therapy reach far beyond the simple joy of spending time with animals. From lowering blood pressure and improving cardiovascular health, to boosting mental health, fostering social interaction, and aiding physical rehabilitation, animal-assisted therapy has proven to be a deeply effective and compassionate form of care.

At Manor Grange, we’ve seen firsthand how the human–animal bond can transform a person’s day — or even their outlook on life. The sight of a wagging tail, the soft purr of a cat, or the gentle nudge of a rabbit’s nose can make all the difference, reminding us that healing often begins with connection, trust, and a little kindness.

As research continues and animal-assisted interventions become more widely recognised, one thing is certain: the companionship of animals will remain a powerful, life-affirming force in promoting happiness, dignity, and wellbeing for all.