Dear Reader,
Animal-assisted services are a growing part of holistic care, particularly in hospital settings. They tap into the concept of human-animal bonds that date back to antiquity and have been documented throughout history. In ancient times, animals were essential partners in human survival, health and healing. Many spiritual traditions worldwide have honored relationships between people and animals.
Today, animals are assisting with patient care in various ways. Animals can provide comfort and emotional support. They can nudge people to participate in rehabilitative activities, such as throwing a ball, walking up and down stairs, or bending down to do some petting. Such movement helps to restore mobility and flexibility.
Animal-assisted services also can help outside the hospital, such as by soothing and distracting older adults in long-term care facilities or military veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder.
What the research shows Stress contributes to many medical and mental health conditions. Animal-assisted services help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Animals also bring a sense of companionship, which reduces feelings of loneliness and social isolation. Some forms of animal-assisted support may even help reduce blood pressure. The physiologic effects of petting an animal include increases in serotonin, dopamine, prolactin and oxytocin — the “happiness hormones.”
Modern research finds that animals can provide healing on many different levels. Here are some of the benefits animal companionship can provide: | 
