Why Does Pet Therapy Work? (It’s Not Just Cute Dogs)

Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) has been used for over a century to alleviate stress and anxiety. Popularized by Florence Nightingale, AAT involves interactions with animals to improve mental health. It is effective in various settings, from hospitals to colleges. AAT's benefits include reducing stress hormones and boosting endorphins. The therapy works not just for animal lovers but also for those neutral about animals. The key lies in the human-animal bond, providing a nonjudgmental space for emotional processing. Studies show AAT's effectiveness, even with robotic animals, highlighting the importance of interaction over mere presence. Besides mental health benefits, AAT encourages physical activity, further enhancing well-being.

Who is credited with popularizing pet therapy in the 1860s?

• Florence Nightingale

• Carl Jung

• Sigmund Freud

• Marie Curie

What is the technical term for pet therapy?

• Animal Interaction Therapy

• Animal Assisted Therapy

• Pet Comfort Therapy

• Animal Support Therapy

Which hormone is known to decrease during a dog visit, reducing stress?

• Serotonin

• Dopamine

• Cortisol

• Melatonin

What is considered a key factor in the effectiveness of AAT?

• The animal's breed

• The animal's size

• The human-animal bond

• The animal's cuteness

In studies, what type of animals have been shown to help increase focus and positive emotions?

• Only domesticated pets

• Only mammals

• Fish, bearded dragons, and crickets

• Only birds