5 Different Types of Animals in the Therapeutic Field

Animals’ cute demeanors and companionship make them one of the most loved things in the world. The best part is that there are a bunch of them. Aside from being pets or wild, many animals have specific jobs within society. In the past, most animals got jobs working on a farm or transporting people. Now, animals join many occupational industries. One of the more modernized job opportunities for animals is therapy. On top of putting a smile on our faces, animals can help people who need emotional, psychological, and physical therapies. Below is a list of five different types of animals in the therapeutic field.

Dogs

This best friend to many also makes the best service animal. Dogs help with various disabilities, including PTSD, self-harm, seizures, and many physical disabilities. Their therapeutic role consists of alerting nearby people, physical comfort, guiding, retrieving, and more. Dogs also aid those living with depression and anxiety by creating a routine, enabling their owners to get outside and take care of themselves as they care for the dog’s needs. Currently, dogs are the only animals officially allowed to be registered as service animals by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Cats

Like dogs, cats take on the therapeutic field by providing people emotional support. They are among the most popular animals chosen as emotional support companions. Although harder to train than dogs, felines offer emotional support services for those afraid of dogs or in unsuitable environments for them. Most cats exude a calm, unintrusive, and intelligent presence, which, in contrast to the intensity of emotions caused by depression and anxiety, creates a sense of relief in one’s home. You can learn more about emotional support animals here.

Horses

Horses hold a rich job history, ranging from pulling carriages to aiding jousts. In the therapeutic field, horses provide their services in a unique form of therapy called hippotherapy. Hippotherapy is a form of physical therapy that uses the movement of horses to aid a person’s physical abilities. The effectiveness of hippotherapy with children benefits young ones with special needs, including cerebral palsy, autism, and other developmental disabilities.

Rabbits

Mental disabilities like depression and anxiety often occur due to a hormonal deficiency. Medical experts have numerous studies highlighting the healing perks of animals due to their aid in producing the love hormone. Cuddling rabbits generates plenty of oxytocin, making them a viable emotional support animal for people who commonly lack oxytocin in their brains. A cozy cuddle with a bunny can go a long way for some.

Birds

Did you know that a bird’s ability to speak supports those with a history of emotional abuse? Birds taught to repeat phrases or communicate with humans can learn helpful remarks that calm or reassure their owners. Parrots also show high levels of empathy, providing further beneficial support to those carrying trauma.

Along with these five different types of animals in the therapeutic field, other adorable creatures such as lizards and turtles also benefit those with differing disabilities. There are already multiple reasons to love animals, but their ability to further support people makes them all that more special.

Additional Resources:

Tibetan Mastiff

Moon Bear

Pelicans

Dolphins

Jaguars

Sea Turtles

Mandarinfish

Maned Wolf

Wolf Spiders