Pet therapy, also known as animal-assisted therapy, is becoming more popular and useful because it helps people feel better in many ways. It simply improves one's mood, relieves stress, and even aids in physical healing. Let's check out 10 wonderful ways animals make life better for all people.

1.       Nursing Home Visits

Visiting nursing homes with trained therapy animals offers happiness and friendship to the elderly. These visits lessen feelings of loneliness and enhance the overall mood. Some just feel relaxed when petting a docile dog or cat. "Pets on Wheels" is a dog-walking group in Virginia that regularly takes these friendly animals to visit the seniors in their homes.

2.       Hospital Visits

Animals visiting hospitals have a significant impact on patients' healing processes. It makes people feel more relaxed and less afraid. There are even patients who say that therapy pets have lessened their pain and anxiety in their company. At JFK University Medical Center, both patients and nurses are of the opinion that animal visits uplift their spirits and help to soothe and cheer them.

3. Reading Programs

Animal-assisted reading programs match students with therapy animals to practice their reading skills. With the help of a therapy animal sitting quietly by their side, children feel quite comfortable going on reading aloud. Through the PAWS program, many kids have had an opportunity to practice their reading with confidence and have fun at the same time in a supportive, stress-free environment.

4. Veterans Assistance

Assistance animals are trained to bring comfort and companionship to veterans suffering from physical or psychological issues. These animals can help lessen symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), reduce anxiety, and help in the overall well-being of veterans. A Veteran uses pet therapy to ease other soldiers' suffering from the scars of war. Those dogs give the veterans something to nurture and to help rebuild their trust.

5. Special Education

Animal-assisted activities in special education classrooms have shown surprising results. Animals can help kids improve their social skills, boost their attention span, lessen behavioral issues, and provide a safe and supportive atmosphere.

6. Therapy Dogs in Courtrooms

People can get frightened walking into courtrooms, especially kids and victims. Therapy dogs are increasingly used in courtrooms to comfort and support youngsters and vulnerable witnesses during legal processes. In Chicago, two big, gentle, and calm dogs named Birdie and Junebug stay at the courthouse to comfort any individuals who are feeling scared or nervous during the legal hearings.

7. Disaster Response

Therapy animals help reduce fear and feelings of isolation in those involved after a disaster, such as a shooting or even a natural event. They work on calming both the survivors and the emergency personnel. Crisis Response Canines sent trained dogs at a very difficult time after a horrific shooting in Baltimore.

8. Mental Health Facilities

Animal-assisted therapy is commonly used in mental health facilities to help people cope with various problems. These animals help people who feel sad, anxious, or lonely. Petting or playing with a calm dog can make one smile or just feel more relaxed.

9. Rehabilitation Centers

Animals in rehabilitation centers give patients the extra incentive to keep moving. Spending time with a pet can encourage a person healing from surgery or an injury to walk, move, and feel stronger. At a hospital in Michigan, a therapy dog named Faith helps patients gain confidence during their recovery.

10. Schools and Universities

Therapy animals are used in educational settings to help students cope with stress. During periods of testing or heavy-load times, the presence of a dog can provide students with focus and relaxation. Students at many schools now enjoy a few moments with their therapy animals to boost their mental health.

Pet therapy is a gentle yet very effective way to heal the body and the mind. In hospitals, in classrooms, or at homes, they pour in their greatest comfort, love, and support. With everybody realizing enthusiastically about its good results, pet therapy has become a warm aspect of care and education worldwide.

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