You’ve probably heard someone say, “Pets just know when something’s wrong.” It’s not just sweet—it’s backed by research. For older adults, animal-assisted therapy (AAT) does more than bring comfort. It helps lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and spark moments of joy many thought were gone.
But how does it actually work? And is it safe for every senior?
Let’s break it down.
What Is Animal-Assisted Therapy?
This isn’t about letting a dog wander around the house. Animal-assisted therapy is a guided interaction between a person and a trained animal, supervised by a professional. It’s used to improve emotional, cognitive, or physical well-being.
The animals involved are typically dogs, but therapy cats, rabbits, and even miniature horses have been used with great success.
And no—they don’t just sit there.
These animals are specially trained to be gentle, calm, and responsive to emotional cues. They provide unconditional presence in a way that few humans can match.
The Surprising Health Benefits
Animal-assisted therapy isn’t just feel-good fluff. It shows up in the data.
Lower stress levels
Just petting a dog or cat has been shown to reduce cortisol (a stress hormone) and boost serotonin (a feel-good one).
Better heart health
Studies show that older adults with pets often have lower blood pressure and heart rates during stress tests compared to those without animals in their lives.
Increased physical activity
Walking a therapy dog—or even brushing and caring for one—encourages movement and boosts mobility. For seniors recovering from surgery or managing arthritis, this light activity adds up.
Less loneliness
Animal therapy helps break emotional isolation. Seniors in long-term care often report fewer feelings of loneliness after just a few sessions with a therapy animal.
More motivation
Many older adults engage more in conversations or activities when animals are present. Therapists often use animals to help seniors reconnect to memories and feel more grounded in the moment.
Who Can Benefit?
Animal-assisted therapy can help seniors dealing with:
- Dementia or Alzheimer’s
- Stroke recovery
- Depression or anxiety
- Chronic pain
- Grief or loss
- Mobility limitations
But not everyone is a perfect fit. Seniors with allergies, phobias, or compromised immune systems may need an alternative—like robotic pets or non-animal sensory therapy.
Is It Safe?
Therapy animals go through strict certification processes to ensure they’re gentle, calm, and clean. They’re regularly vaccinated and monitored, and professionals are always present during therapy sessions.
Still, safety is a team effort. Always consult with a physician before introducing AAT into any senior’s care plan.
How to Get Started
If you think animal-assisted therapy might help your loved one, reach out to:
- Home care agencies (like Happier at Home)
- Local pet therapy organizations
- Senior centers or assisted living facilities
Many organizations have partnerships with certified handlers and can schedule sessions either on-site or in-home.
Final Word on the Power of Paws
Animals don’t judge. They don’t interrupt. And they never complain. Sometimes, that’s exactly what an older adult needs most.
Published June 2024 • Updated August 2025
Reviewed by Debbie Marcello, Founder & CEO of Happier at Home
This content is for informational use only and does not replace medical advice.
