Animal Therapy

Humans and animals form and share special bonds together that create a beautiful and healing symbiotic connection. Our Emotional Support Animal Therapy Family provides our children with companionship as well as physical and emotional health benefits. Therapeutic Animal Support is known to assist in coping with fears, anxiety, loneliness, post-traumatic stress disorders, depression, insecurities, psychological support, improving mental wellness, rebuilding trust, socialization and much more.

The goal of Animal Assisted Emotional Therapy is to improve a client’s social, emotional, and/ or cognitive functioning in addition to building self-esteem and confidence. Advocates state that animals can also be useful for educational and motivational effectiveness in participants. Studies have proven that a caregiver who is accompanied by a pet may be perceived as being less threatening, increasing the rapport between client and caregiver. Our Animal family members used in therapy and emotional support include domesticated pets and farm animals.

All off our support family are also rescued animals. While there are many misconceptions about shelter and rescued animals, most end up in these difficult circumstances through no fault of their own: due to human inability or unwillingness to care for them. These wonderful souls are left with the stigma of being damaged, dangerous or subpar. However, this is far from true! They only require an opportunity and the love & patience necessary to thrive and help change lives! 

Wilson’s (1984) Biophilia Hypothesis suggests that, when we see animals at rest or in a peaceful state, this, in turn, signals a sense of safety, security and feelings of well-being, which in turn trigger a state where positive personal change and healing are possible.

Our Loving Hands Animal Family foster relaxation and confidence. Studies show that children asked to read aloud in the presence of a peer, adult and an animal friend prompted positive results when the child read aloud with an animal friend. Researchers monitored their stress levels and found that children were most relaxed and more confident with animal friends. Children benefit from the presence of nonjudgmental camaraderie.

Therapy and emotional support animals provide companionship, affection and comfort while serving to minimize the negative symptoms of emotional and psychological distress.