The benefits of pet therapy for humans and animals alike

Pet owners know their animals are family. They share life's milestones, joys, and sorrows. Pets offer comfort, cuddles, and even lick away our tears.

"Animals and humans form strong, trusting bonds. They can become an unstoppable team." - Laura Camplani

As we learn more about these sentient beings in our homes, we discover their intelligence and intuition. Some might say, "My pet knows me better than I know myself." They might be right.

We spoke with veterinary technician Laura Camplani of TELUS Health MyPet and Lindsay Killiam, Clinical Director for Counselling at TELUS Health MyCare™, about pet therapy, its process, and benefits for both humans and animals.

What is pet therapy?

Pet therapy uses trained animals (e.g., dogs, cats, miniature horses) to enhance an individual's cognitive, physical, psychological, and social well-being. Originally offered to those with mental health issues or social isolation, it's now available in schools, hospitals, and retirement homes.

The therapy aims to boost confidence, self-worth, and daily motivation. It may also assist with educating individuals on basic human needs such as:

• Regular meals
• Hygiene
• Outdoor activity

What does a typical pet therapy session look like?

Typically a session is either focused on education, socialization, or one on one interaction. The sessions are always built with the animals' and humans' best interests in mind. 

Education: An example of this could be teaching children how to take care of an animal by walking them, feeding them, and training them with basic commands. Educational pet therapy can also entail having therapy pets teach humans by example. For instance, children with limited mobility may be encouraged to step out of their comfort zone with the help of a therapy animal by creating an obstacle course and completing it with the animal. 

Socialization: In small groups, an animal may be a great conversation starter. Individuals with social anxiety may feel more at ease brushing the animal while potentially conversing with the handler.

One on one: People have the opportunity to interact with the animal individually. Petting, brushing and having the animal lie on their lap are some techniques used in pet therapy. This service is usually offered in palliative care or for individuals with mental health issues.

Pet therapy is usually divided in three parts:

1. Introduction of the animal: Allowing the animal to meet the patients and adapt to their environment while the handler explains basic rules around pet therapy.
2. Activity: Main activity takes place with individuals.
3. Cool down: The session ends with a calming good-bye and there is an opportunity to pet the animal one last time before the session ends.

Typically, no more than two sessions are scheduled for one pet in order to ensure the pet’s mental and physical wellbeing.   

What are the primary benefits of pet therapy for humans and pets?  

Pet therapy has been well researched. It has many positive effects cognitively, emotionally and physically for humans. Interacting with a pet increases feel good neurotransmitters and hormones in the brain such as oxytocin and dopamine.  It is also known to reduce hormones such as cortisol (our stress hormone).  The act of petting a cat or dog can actually calm our nervous system and activate a sense of connection.  Bringing dogs or other pets into clinical environments can also provide a sense of normalcy, like home, that is otherwise hard to establish. Research has also indicated that pet therapy can improve recovery times and even reduce experiences of pain.  Other benefits include reduced loneliness and improved overall mental and emotional wellbeing.

“Cuddling with a pet helps to release dopamine, a feel good hormone in the body.  Pets have also been found to reduce loneliness and improve depression.” - Lindsay Killiam  

For pets, participating in therapy helps to promote good behaviour, socialization and intellectual and physical stimulation. In general, pets just want to love humans. The animals in pet therapy are happy helping their fellow humans by promoting their mental wellbeing. They are also always happy to receive unlimited cuddles and treats. 

Are there specific conditions, illnesses or locations that pet therapy is particularly effective in treating?  

Pet therapy is a popular service for:

1. Aging population, especially those who are alone and isolated
   1. Dementia
   2. Housing in Long-Term Care Centres
   3. Alzheimer's disease 
2. Children and/or adults with mental and/or physical disabilities
   1. Autism spectrum disorder
   2. Quadriplegia
   3. ADHD
   4. Anxiety Disorder
3. Children in foster care 
   
   
4. Adult prisons and youth detention centres
   
   
5. Addiction recovery settings 
   
   
6. Hospitals
   1. Palliative care
   2. ICU
   3. Children’s department
7. Elementary schools and high schools 

What training is required for animals to become therapy pets?

Firstly, pet therapy requires professional training for the animal and the individual wanting to offer pet therapy services. Not every pet may be used for pet therapy. Careful selection of a well-rounded, calm, and social pet is prioritized for pet therapy. The well-being of the animals and of the clients are prioritized to help eliminate any possible incidents. Pet therapy looks for specific traits in their candidates. For example, recommended traits for dogs are: obedience, adaptability, social personalities, and dogs who display appropriate behaviors in different environments and contexts. 

“Some breeds naturally have most of the recommended traits, like: Golden Retrievers, Labradors, Poodles, Border Collies, Cavalier King Charles, and Bichons. However, it is important to note that most breeds and mixed breeds may have the potential to participate in pet therapy.” -Laura Camplani 

With proper training, good socializing exercises and appropriate interactions with humans, any dog may be capable of becoming a therapy pet.  While the most common therapy pet is a dog there can also be cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, miniature horses, miniature pigs and even alpacas.

What are the latest trends and innovations in the field of pet therapy? 

There is ongoing research into the healing relationship between humans and animals.  New therapeutic approaches are being utilized every day.  One new innovation is bringing shelter dogs to live with prisoners.  Training the dogs provides a sense of purpose for inmates and the bond facilitates empathy and connection.  Dogs are also being used in schools to help kids with reading.  Dogs are a nonjudgmental audience for kids to practice reading out loud to and have the added benefit of being a comfort and stress reducer.

“Our population is becoming increasingly isolated and we are facing an epidemic of loneliness.  I see pets as a key factor in healing and building connections and expect that we will see increasing numbers of programs and services in coming years.” - Lindsay Killam 

Can you share any personal experiences or success stories involving pet therapy?

In a long-term care centre, Laura visited an older Italian woman who was ill, unable to walk and hadn’t spoken in many years due to dementia. She visited her weekly and one dog in particular seemed to get her attention. Initially, Laura would place her hands on the dog and complete strokes with her. She began looking closely at the dog, focusing on him. Little by little, she would move her hands on her own to pet the dog and smirk. Laura would speak to her in Italian, with no response. Until, one day, as she was petting the dog independently, she asked her how she was feeling today and she answered: “si, tutto bene..mi sento bene” (i.e. yes, everything is well, I feel good). Laura’s eyes widened as she looked at her and she looked up at Laura. It’s important to note that she had never actually looked at Laura until now; her eyes were usually glazed over or looking at the dog. 

"This was by far my favourite moment as a pet therapy handler." - Laura Camplani 

Why do you think humans can benefit so much from being around pets? And vice-versa? 

“I believe animals have an extraordinary ability to connect deeply with humans. We benefit from being around pets because they tend to calm us, make us laugh, and provide us with unconditional love. Pets benefit from being with humans because of companionship, socialization, and easy access to basic resources.” - Laura Camplani

“Pets and humans have a powerful bond.  Pets are loyal, trustworthy, nonjudgmental companions who increase our experience of joy in day to day life.  They keep us active and engaged in our community.” - Lindsay Killam 

Are there any organizations or resources you recommend for those interested in pet therapy?

• Companion Paws Canada - Training, adoption, and visitation programs
• Therapeutic Paws of Canada - Visitation programs across Canada for a variety of purposes
• Zoothérapie Québec - They offer pet therapy services and accredited training in Quebec 

The human animal bond is strong, as is the bond you have with your pet. For all they do for you and all the love they have for you, make sure to show it back. Book an appointment with a vet¹ or veterinary technician² in the  TELUS Health MyPet app. If you are looking for counselling support for yourself, book an appointment with a counsellor on the TELUS Health MyCare app.³ You can only provide for your pet and those around you if your cup is full first. 

Remember, pets are a part of your life for a short time, but for them, you are around for their whole life. Make sure you make the most of it. 

Notes:

1. Only available in BC and ON. Consultations are $95 plus tax. If medication is prescribed as a result of the consultation, you will be charged a service fee of $30 plus tax, regardless of the number of medications prescribed as a result of this consultation. Must be age of majority in your province. Any payments for consultations must be paid using a valid credit card. Other restrictions also apply. Visit telus.com/mypet for more information.
2. Consultations are $40 plus tax. Must be age of majority in your province. Any payments for consultations must be paid using a valid credit card. Other restrictions also apply. Visit telus.com/mypet for more information.
3. Users must be 16 years or older to access counselling appointments. Counselling appointments require additional payment of $120 plus applicable taxes. Any payments for appointments must be paid using a valid credit card. An in-app receipt will be provided for you to claim for reimbursement if applicable.