Animals have an amazing ability to improve emotional well-being. Through their unconditional affection and calming presence, they can play a supportive role in coping with psychological stress. Animal-assisted therapy is an established approach to help people with depression, anxiety disorders and PTSD.
Benefits of Pet Therapy
support for depression
Pets provide companionship and structure, which can be essential for people with depression. They reduce loneliness and increase serotonin levels, which promote improved well-being.
- Daily structure: Regular care and activities with the pet create routines.
- Emotional closeness: The presence of an animal helps reduce feelings of isolation.
Help with Anxiety
The calming effect of pets can relieve anxiety and stabilize the nervous system.
- Physical touch: Stroking a dog or cat lowers blood pressure.
- Calming techniques: Animals can calm people during panic attacks through pressure or proximity.
support for PTSD
For people with PTSD, pets provide security and emotional stability. Specially trained dogs can recognize signs of panic attacks early and help alleviate the symptoms.
- Preventing flashbacks: The presence of a pet can promote feelings of security.
- Social integration: Animals facilitate the development of social contacts and strengthen interpersonal trust.
Difference between therapy and assistance dogs
Therapy dogs, assistance dogs and service animals differ in their role and training: Therapy dogs provide emotional support and visit care facilities, but require special training. Assistance dogs are trained for people with physical or mental disabilities and enjoy special legal rights, such as access to public places. Service animals, on the other hand, provide emotional closeness but do not require formal training.
Certification of pets as therapy companions
requirements for certification
Not every pet is suitable as a therapy companion. Suitable animals should have the following characteristics:
- calm temperament
- Friendly behavior towards people
- obedience and stress resistance
steps to certification
- Basic training: Pets must master basic obedience exercises.
- Special training: Organizations offer programs to prepare animals to interact with patients.
- Certification: After successfully completing tests, animals receive official certification from recognized organizations.
Legal aspects
Therapy dogs do not have comprehensive special rights like assistance dogs. They may only be used in certain public places with permission.
Why animal-assisted therapy is important
Animals create emotional stability and offer a unique form of support that can complement medication and talk therapy. People who have difficulty building trust or social relationships especially benefit from the calming presence of a pet.
Pet therapy is a powerful way to improve mental health and positively impact the lives of people suffering from depression, anxiety, and PTSD. With proper preparation and certification, your pet can become a valuable therapy companion, enriching not only your life but the lives of many others.
