The Best Breeds, Their Benefits, and Their Growing Role in 2025
Therapy pets play a crucial role in enhancing the well-being of individuals by providing emotional support, comfort, and companionship. Unlike service animals, which are trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities, therapy pets offer general emotional and psychological benefits. This article delves into what therapy pets are, the best breeds for the job, and the growing prevalence of therapy pets in 2025. We will also explore the impact of therapy pets on mental health and the regulations surrounding their use.
What is a Therapy Pet?
A therapy pet is an animal trained to provide comfort and affection to people in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and other settings where emotional support is needed. These animals are not limited to any specific breed or species, though dogs and cats are the most common. The primary purpose of a therapy pet is to improve the emotional and psychological well-being of individuals through positive interaction and companionship.
Therapy pets are often brought to visit patients in hospitals, residents in nursing homes, and students in schools. They can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, promote social interaction, and even improve physical health by lowering blood pressure and heart rates.
The Best Breeds for Therapy Pets:
When it comes to selecting the best breeds for therapy pets, certain traits are crucial, such as temperament, size, and adaptability. Here are some of the most suitable breeds:
1. Dogs:
Golden Retriever:
Golden Retrievers are known for their friendly and tolerant attitudes. They are highly trainable, patient, and love interacting with people, making them excellent therapy dogs.
Labrador Retriever:
Labradors are similar to Golden Retrievers in temperament. They are gentle, patient, and great with children and adults alike. Their calm demeanor and intelligence make them ideal for therapy work.
Poodle:
Poodles, including standard, miniature, and toy varieties, are highly intelligent and hypoallergenic, which is beneficial for individuals with allergies. They are friendly, sociable, and excel in therapy settings due to their adaptability.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel:
These small dogs are affectionate and gentle, making them great for therapy work in various settings, including hospitals and nursing homes. Their small size allows them to comfortably sit on laps, providing close physical comfort.
French Bulldog:
French Bulldogs have a calm and patient demeanor, making them suitable for therapy work. Their compact size and affectionate nature allow them to thrive in various therapeutic environments.
2. Cats:
Ragdoll:
Ragdolls are known for their docile and calm nature. They enjoy being held and cuddled, making them excellent therapy cats. Their gentle disposition helps them connect well with people in need of comfort.
Maine Coon:
Maine Coons are large, friendly cats with a gentle temperament. They are sociable and enjoy interacting with people, making them well-suited for therapy work.
Sphynx:
Sphynx cats are known for their affectionate and social nature. They are energetic and love attention, which can provide great emotional support to individuals.
3. Other Animals:
Rabbits:
Rabbits can be excellent therapy animals due to their calm nature and the soothing effect of petting their soft fur. They are often used in settings where individuals might benefit from gentle, quiet companionship.
Guinea Pigs:
Guinea pigs are small, gentle, and easy to handle. They are suitable for therapy work, especially with children, as they are less intimidating than larger animals and can be very comforting.
Birds:
Certain birds, like parrots and canaries, can be used as therapy animals. Their vibrant colors and cheerful behaviors can lift spirits and provide companionship.
The Benefits of Therapy Pets:
Therapy pets offer numerous benefits, both psychological and physical. Here are some key advantages:
1. Reducing Stress and Anxiety:
Interacting with therapy pets has been shown to lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. The presence of a friendly animal can provide comfort and reduce feelings of anxiety.
2. Alleviating Depression:
Therapy pets can help alleviate symptoms of depression by providing companionship and unconditional love. The routine of caring for an animal can also give individuals a sense of purpose and structure.
3. Promoting Social Interaction:
Therapy pets encourage social interaction, which is particularly beneficial for individuals who feel isolated or lonely. The presence of a pet can act as a social catalyst, making it easier for people to engage in conversations.
4. Improving Physical Health:
Studies have shown that petting a therapy animal can lower blood pressure and heart rates, contributing to overall cardiovascular health. Regular interaction with therapy pets can also increase physical activity levels, as individuals may be more inclined to engage in walks or play.
5. Enhancing Mood and Emotional Well-being:
Therapy pets can enhance mood and provide emotional stability. Their presence can trigger the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals, leading to improved mood and a greater sense of well-being.
6. Providing Comfort and Companionship:
Therapy pets offer non-judgmental companionship, which can be incredibly comforting. They provide a sense of security and can help individuals feel less alone during difficult times.
The Growing Role of Therapy Pets in 2025:
As of 2025, the use of therapy pets has continued to grow, with more institutions recognizing their benefits and integrating them into various programs. Here are some notable trends and statistics:
1. Increased Adoption of Therapy Pets:
There has been a significant increase in the adoption of therapy pets in healthcare facilities, schools, and workplaces. Hospitals and nursing homes are increasingly incorporating therapy pet programs to improve patient outcomes and enhance the overall environment.
2. Expansion of Therapy Pet Organizations:
Organizations that train and certify therapy pets have expanded their reach. Programs like Pet Partners and Therapy Dogs International have seen increased enrollment and participation, highlighting the growing demand for therapy pets.
3. Use in Schools and Educational Settings:
Therapy pets are being used more frequently in schools to help students cope with stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges. These programs have shown positive results in improving student well-being and academic performance.
4. Support for Mental Health:
Therapy pets are playing a crucial role in mental health treatment. They are used in therapy sessions to help individuals with conditions such as PTSD, autism, and depression. The calming presence of a therapy pet can make therapy sessions more effective and less intimidating.
5. Legislative Support:
There is growing legislative support for therapy pets, with more laws being enacted to protect their use and ensure they are allowed in various settings. This includes ensuring therapy pets are permitted in hospitals, schools, and other public places where they can provide support.
6. Research and Evidence:
Ongoing research continues to provide evidence of the benefits of therapy pets. Studies are increasingly demonstrating the positive impact of therapy pets on physical and mental health, leading to broader acceptance and integration of these programs.
How Many Therapy Pets are Used Today?
As of 2025, it is estimated that there are tens of thousands of therapy pets actively working in various settings across the United States alone. Globally, the number is even higher, reflecting the widespread adoption of therapy pet programs.
In the United States, organizations like Pet Partners have registered over 10,000 therapy animal teams. Therapy Dogs International has an estimated 24,000 therapy dogs registered. These numbers continue to grow as more people recognize the value of therapy pets.
Globally, countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia also have significant numbers of therapy pets. In Canada, organizations like St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog Program have hundreds of teams providing support. In the UK, Pets As Therapy has over 6,000 active volunteers.
How to Get Involved:
If you’re interested in becoming involved with therapy pets, here are some steps to get started:
1. Assess Your Pet:
Determine if your pet has the right temperament and characteristics for therapy work. They should be calm, friendly, and enjoy interacting with people.
2. Training and Certification:
Enroll your pet in a therapy pet training program. Organizations like Pet Partners and Therapy Dogs International offer training and certification to ensure your pet is well-prepared for therapy work.
3. Volunteer:
Once certified, you can volunteer with your pet at local hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and other facilities. Many organizations have networks and programs to help you find opportunities.
4. Educate Yourself:
Learn about the regulations and best practices for therapy pets. Understanding the guidelines will help ensure a positive experience for both you and your pet.
5. Share Your Story:
Share your experiences as a therapy pet owner. Your story can inspire others to get involved and highlight the benefits of therapy pets.
Therapy pets provide invaluable emotional and psychological support to individuals in need. Their ability to reduce stress, alleviate depression, and promote social interaction makes them a vital part of many therapeutic programs. With the growing recognition of their benefits and the increasing number of therapy pets in use today, the impact of these animals continues to expand.
Whether you’re considering getting involved with therapy pets or simply want to learn more about their benefits, understanding the role of these remarkable animals can help foster a greater appreciation for the positive impact they have on our lives. Join the community of therapy pet supporters and experience the joy and comfort that these amazing animals bring.