Therapy Animal

A therapy animal is a specially trained animal, usually a dog or cat, that provides emotional comfort and support to people in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and disaster areas. Unlike service animals, which assist individuals with disabilities, therapy animals are brought into environments to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being through their presence and gentle companionship. They are evaluated for behavior and health to ensure they can calmly interact with diverse groups of people, helping to foster emotional healing and a sense of connection in settings that may be challenging or stressful.