Experience healing power of human-animal interaction—using trained animals (usually dogs, cats, horses) to improve physical, emotional, cognitive, and social functioning. Pet therapy (animal-assisted therapy) helps with: anxiety/depression reduction, PTSD treatment, autism social skills, hospital patient recovery, elderly cognitive stimulation, physical rehabilitation motivation.
Benefits: lowers blood pressure and cortisol, releases oxytocin (bonding hormone), provides non-judgmental companionship, encourages physical activity, creates social connection opportunities. Types: visiting therapy animals (hospitals, nursing homes, schools), service animals (trained tasks for disabilities), emotional support animals (prescribed companionship).
Even personal pets offer therapeutic benefits. Mechanism: unconditional acceptance, present-moment focus, tactile comfort, routine/responsibility. Growing field with strong evidence. Consider volunteering with therapy animal programs or adopting pet (if feasible). Simple, joyful wellness intervention.