How Animal Assisted Therapy Works: A Simple Guide for Everyone

How Animal Assisted Therapy Works: A Simple Guide for Everyone

Have you ever felt better after spending time with an animal? Maybe a dog wagged its tail at you, or a cat purred on your lap. Animals have a way of making people feel calm and happy. But did you know they can also help people heal? That is what animal assisted therapy does it uses the love and comfort of animals to help people feel better inside and out.


This guide will show you how it works, why it helps, and how animals become amazing little healers for people of all ages.


What Is Animal Assisted Therapy?

Animal Assisted Therapy, or AAT, is a special kind of treatment that includes animals in the healing process. It’s not just playing with pets for fun. A trained therapist works with the person and the animal to reach real health goals.


The animals are calm, friendly, and trained to help people feel safe. In therapy, animals might help people talk about their feelings, build confidence, or learn to trust again.


Read: How Can Online Therapy Address the Unique Needs of Different


The best part? Anyone can try it — children, adults, and older people. You don’t have to be sick to feel the magic of an animal’s love.


Why Animals Help People Feel Better

Animals make us feel peaceful because they give love without asking for anything in return. When you pet a dog or hug a cat, your body releases happy chemicals. These chemicals, called oxytocin and serotonin, help your brain feel calm and relaxed.


Even watching fish swim can slow your heartbeat and help your mind rest. Animals don’t care how you look, talk, or feel — they just stay with you. That simple comfort can change a bad day into a better one.


Their quiet love teaches people that healing can start with kindness and care.


What Happens in a Therapy Session?

A session with an animal therapist is calm, kind, and fun. First, the therapist learns what the person needs help with. Maybe they feel sad, anxious, or shy. Then the therapist chooses the right animal to help them.


During the session, the person may pet, feed, or walk the animal. They may also talk about their feelings while the animal sits nearby. These simple moments help people feel safe, strong, and happy.


Every session is different, but they all have one goal — to help people heal through gentle connection.


The Animals That Help

Not all animals do the same job. Each one helps in its own special way.

Each animal has its own gift to share — and that makes every therapy experience special.


How Animals and People Become a Team

The real magic happens when a person and an animal form a bond. This bond is built on trust and love. The person learns to care for the animal, and the animal responds with gentle affection.


For example, a shy child might find it easier to talk when a dog sits quietly beside them. The dog listens without judging or interrupting. Over time, the child feels more confident and open.


Even small changes matter — a smile, a calm breath, or a peaceful moment. That’s where healing begins.


What Science Says

Scientists agree that animals can help people get better. Studies show that being around therapy animals can lower blood pressure, reduce pain, and make people feel less stressed.


Children in hospitals often recover faster when they spend time with therapy dogs. Older adults who live alone feel less lonely after seeing therapy cats. People with anxiety or trauma feel calmer and sleep better.


Animals may not use words, but their care has real power — both emotionally and physically.


How It Helps Children

Children often find it hard to say how they feel. That’s why Animal Assisted Therapy works so well for them.


When a child spends time with an animal, they start to relax. Petting or feeding a rabbit or dog helps them build trust and express emotions. Kids with autism, ADHD, or fear often become more focused and happy when animals are part of their therapy.


For many children, animals are friends who listen without judgment — and that makes healing fun and safe.


How It Helps Adults

Adults carry many worries — work stress, sadness, or loneliness. Animals can help ease these feelings.


Spending time with a therapy dog or horse helps adults slow down, breathe deeply, and feel calm again. Some people find it easier to talk about their problems when an animal is near. Others simply enjoy the comfort of having a loving companion beside them.


Animal therapy reminds adults that it’s okay to take a break, feel soft emotions, and find peace in small, gentle moments.


How It Helps Seniors

Older people often feel alone, especially in care homes or hospitals. Animal Assisted Therapy brings them comfort and joy.

When a senior holds or pets a cat, it can remind them of happy memories. A walk with a therapy dog can bring back confidence and energy. These moments make life brighter and more meaningful.


For many seniors, a visit from a therapy animal is the highlight of their week — a reminder that love and warmth never fade.


Where to Find Animal Assisted Therapy

You can find Animal Assisted Therapy in many places. Hospitals, schools, and counseling centers often have programs that use animals to help people. Some farms or special clinics even focus only on this kind of care.


Therapists work closely with trained animals to create safe and happy spaces for everyone. You might also see therapy animals visiting people in nursing homes, rehab centers, or even libraries.


If you’re curious, you can ask your doctor or counselor if there’s an AAT program near you. You might be surprised how common they are!


How Safety Is Ensured

Therapy animals are not just pets — they are trained helpers. Each one learns how to stay calm and gentle in new places. They know how to behave around children, adults, and seniors.


Therapists also watch closely to make sure everyone feels safe and comfortable. The animal’s needs are cared for too. If the animal gets tired, it gets to rest.


The goal of every session is safety, respect, and kindness — for both people and animals.


How You Can Join In

You don’t need to be a therapist to get involved. Many people volunteer with their pets to help others. If your pet is friendly and calm, you can join training programs that teach you both how to become a therapy team.


You can also help by supporting centers that offer Animal Assisted Therapy or sharing information about it. Every bit of help spreads more love and comfort to those who need it most.


Even small acts of care can make a big difference in someone’s healing journey.


Why Animal Assisted Therapy Matters

Animal Assisted Therapy reminds us of something simple but powerful — healing comes from connection. Animals teach us to care, listen, and love without words.


In a busy world, they help us slow down and enjoy quiet moments of joy. Whether you are a child learning to trust, an adult finding peace, or an elder seeking comfort, animals can help guide you there.


Their kindness heals in ways medicine alone cannot. Sometimes, a soft paw or a gentle nudge is all it takes to remind us we’re not alone.


Read: Complicated Grief Therapy Atlanta: Find Support & Healing


A Note from Southern Live Oak Wellness

At southernliveoakwellness.com, we believe healing should feel warm, natural, and full of heart. Our team uses Animal Assisted Therapy to help people find peace, confidence, and hope.


When people and animals work together, amazing things happen. Every wag, purr, and smile tells a story of healing — one that begins with kindness and ends with joy.