Pet Therapy Is Super Cute — But It’s Also Clinically Sound

Pet Therapy Is Super Cute — But It’s Also Clinically Sound

By: Kathryn Owen, LMHC-A | Pillars of Wellness

When you walk into the office and see Sasha’s tail wagging, it’s easy to smile. She has a way of making people feel instantly at ease — as if she knows you’ve had a hard day before you even say a word.

But while Sasha’s soft fur and gentle eyes make her undeniably adorable, there’s much more to her work than cuddles and comfort. Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a research-supported approach that can make therapy feel safer, more accessible, and even more effective — especially for those who struggle to open up or feel connected.

What Is Animal-Assisted Therapy?

At its core, AAT involves the intentional inclusion of trained animals — often dogs — to support therapeutic goals. During sessions, animals may help clients regulate emotions, reduce anxiety, and build trust with their therapist.

Sasha works alongside her human partner to create a calm, grounding environment where clients can explore difficult emotions without judgment. For children, this might mean practicing communication skills through play or learning how to set boundaries gently. For adults, it might mean lowering stress enough to finally process painful experiences.

In this post, let’s explore why AAT works, who it helps (including populations you may not initially consider), what it feels like in practice, and whether it might be a fit for you or someone you love.

Why Animal-Assisted Therapy Works: The Science Behind the Cuddles

It’s more than just feeling good — there’s real data.

● A systematic review found that AAT in children and adolescents reduces anxiety and improves emotional regulation, communication, and social interaction. (MDPI, 2024)

● A meta-analysis across adult psychiatric populations showed that AAT improved quality of life and reduced depressive symptoms (SMD 1.42 and 3.79 respectively). (Cochrane Review, 2017)

● UCLA Health reports that petting an animal releases serotonin, prolactin, and oxytocin — lowering stress and promoting connection. (UCLA Health, 2023)

● A study of adults with chronic psychiatric conditions found AAT decreased cortisol (a stress marker) and improved communication, happiness, and cognitive engagement. (BMC Psychiatry, 2020)

● In children with autism, 84% of studies reported improved communication and social interaction with dog-assisted therapies. (PubMed, 2024)

In short: Animal-assisted therapy is not just “cute” — it has measurable psychological, physiological, and relational effects.

Who Animal-Assisted Therapy Can Help

AAT has shown benefits for a wide range of people — some expected, some surprising.
Commonly studied populations:

● Children and teens with anxiety, trauma, or emotional regulation challenges. (PubMed Review)

● Adults experiencing depression, anxiety, or chronic psychiatric conditions. (Cochrane Review, 2017)

Emerging or less-obvious groups:

● Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Dog-assisted therapy reduced stress and agoraphobia symptoms while improving social awareness. (PubMed, 2019)

● Hospitalized medical patients: In oncology settings, 68% of patients said AAT would reduce anxiety and 71% said it would reduce pain. (American Journal of Recreation Therapy, 2018)

● Older adults in care facilities: Shown to reduce loneliness and improve quality of life. (BMC Psychiatry, 2020) Note: Research supports AAT as an adjunct to therapy — a powerful addition, not a replacement for evidence-based mental-health care. (Johns Hopkins Psychiatry Guide, 2024)

How It Works — What a Session Might Feel Like

In an AAT session, the animal’s presence becomes part of the therapeutic process:

1. Setting the tone: The animal enters calmly, creating an instant sense of safety.

2. Grounding and regulation: Petting or walking with the animal helps shift the nervous system from “fight-or-flight” to “rest-and-digest.”

3. Therapeutic work: With a calmer body, clients explore emotions, relationships, or trauma more comfortably. The animal often helps model empathy or trust.

4. Reflection and integration: Clients and clinician discuss what changed emotionally and physically during interaction.

5. Closure: The animal remains part of the grounding process as the session ends, reinforcing calm and connection.

For many clients — especially children who are shy, adults coping with trauma, or anyone who struggles with emotional expression — the animal serves as a non-judgmental bridge into healing work.

Why It Might Be Right for You or a Loved One

You might consider animal-assisted therapy if:

● Traditional talk therapy feels intimidating or emotionally “stuck.”

● Anxiety or trauma makes it hard to stay regulated in session.

● You feel calmer and more open around animals.

● You prefer experiential, relational therapy rather than purely verbal sessions.

● You or a loved one fall into one of the supported populations (trauma, mood disorders, ASD, chronic illness, or medical-setting anxiety).

If this sounds like you, ask your clinician whether they offer AAT — and how it’s structured regarding training, ethics, and goals.

The Pillars of Wellness Approach

Here at Pillars of Wellness, Sasha is part of our larger commitment to evidence-informed, holistic care. Her welcoming presence is memorable, but every AAT session is led by a licensed clinician who integrates the animal’s role ethically, intentionally, and safely — aligning participation with treatment goals and client consent.

If you’re curious about exploring AAT or want to learn more about how it could fit your journey, visit our Clinicians page and ask about providers certified in animal-assisted interventions.

✨ In Summary

Yes — pet therapy is adorable and heart-warming. But more importantly, the data shows it’s clinically sound.

From reduced stress hormones and improved mood to stronger social connection, animal-assisted therapy offers a gentle, research-supported path toward healing — especially for those who feel stuck in traditional therapy settings.

If you’d like to know whether AAT could be right for you or someone you love, we’d love to help you explore that next step.