The use of therapy pets and animal-assisted intervention (AAI) is a form of therapy that uses animals – usually, dogs, to help improve physical, social, emotional and cognitive functioning. It’s even thought to help individuals deal with various conditions or mental health problems, like anxiety and depression. Unlike service dogs, who are trained to help people with disabilities carry out everyday tasks, AAI and therapy pets are trained to provide emotional support and comfort, rather than physical aid.

AAI is not a new concept. Smoky, the first official therapy dog on record, was used to boost the spirits of injured soldiers and those recovering from PTSD during World War II (National Geographic). More recently though, AAI has been adopted by the NHS, who found that introducing therapy dogs into Southampton Children’s Hospital generally reduced feelings of anxiety in young patients who were waiting for tests and examinations. Because the results were so promising, experts have suggested rolling out the scheme across the UK.

And, although AAI is usually used in hospitals and care homes, the anxiety-reducing effects it can have means therapy pets can be great for a range of personal circumstances, too. Such as, for those who are living alone or going through a breakup. This is because AAI pets can provide a strong sense of companionship and purpose, as well as improve physical health. That’s why elderly people who are living alone often decide to adopt their own therapy pet. 

Below, I’ll be going into more detail about the many benefits of pet therapy, and how having an animal around could help you on your solo living journey. I’ll also be going through some of the ways you can introduce pet therapy into your own life, so you can get these amazing benefits, no matter your lifestyle.