How Pet Therapy Is Shaping Mental Health Approaches

As we talk more about mental well-being, we become more aware of the factors that keep us down in the dumps. A 2021 report shows that, at the time, approximately 13.9% of the global population was living with a mental disorder, with anxiety and depression being the most common.

Considering our current way of living, it’s easy to understand why this happens. Economic instability, for instance, characterized by rising living costs and job insecurity, has been linked to increased rates of anxiety and depression.

Simultaneously, the pervasive use of digital devices and social media platforms has led to heightened feelings of isolation and decreased self-esteem among users.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. The mental health field is also evolving; nowadays, we have access to a wider range of alternative approaches, including pet therapy, a form of holistic treatment. Today, we’ll take a more in-depth look at how pet therapy influences mental health approaches and what to expect in the immediate future.

How and Why Pet Therapy Works

Interacting with animals has been shown to release mood-enhancing hormones like serotonin, prolactin, and oxytocin. These biochemical responses can lead to reduced anxiety, lowered blood pressure, and an overall sense of calm. 

Moreover, petting animals can increase mental stimulation and provide comfort, acting as catalysts in the therapy process. In clinical settings, animal-assisted therapy (AAT) has demonstrated positive outcomes across various aspects, including medical well-being and behavioral improvements. 

For instance, studies have found that animal-assisted interventions can reduce depression and state anxiety, while also increasing self-efficacy in patients with psychiatric disorders.

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) provide therapeutic benefits to individuals with mental or emotional conditions. Just make sure not to confuse them with service animals. ESAs are not required (or trained) to perform specific tasks; they simply offer comfort and support through their calming and relaxing presence.

Say you’re going through a digital detox and feel your thumbs itching to get back in the social media game. If you have a dog as an ESA, you can go out for walks in nature, play, and enjoy their companionship to stay away from your triggers without feeling depressed or anxious.

Legal and Social Shifts

To have a legally recognized ESA, you must obtain a legit ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional. This letter should include your diagnosis, the type of recommended animal, and the provider’s credentials. 

It’s important to note that there is no legal requirement for an ESA to be registered or certified – as long as you have the letter, that’s enough.

Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA), landlords are required to make reasonable accommodations for tenants with ESAs, even in properties with “no pets” policies. This protection ensures that individuals with an ESA letter can live with their support animals without discrimination.

However, changes in air travel regulations have impacted ESA accommodations. As of 2021, the U.S. Department of Transportation no longer requires airlines to recognize ESAs as service animals, allowing carriers to treat them as regular pets. Consequently, many airlines have updated their policies, and ESAs may now be subject to additional fees or restrictions during flights.

Social attitudes toward pet therapy are also shifting. There’s a growing acceptance of therapy animals in various settings, including hospitals, schools, and workplaces, reflecting a broader recognition of their benefits in promoting mental well-being.

However, the rise of unregulated ESA certifications has led to skepticism and potential abuse of the system, undermining the legitimacy of genuine support animals. 

Barriers and Critiques

While pet therapy offers numerous benefits, it’s not without challenges. Concerns include allergies, safety issues, and the potential for emotional over-reliance on animals. Additionally, the lack of standardized training for ESAs can lead to inconsistencies in behavior and effectiveness.

While there are rigorous certification processes for therapy animals to ensure they can safely interact with various populations, not all animals are suitable for therapy work. Also, certification and training are not mandatory for ESAs, and recently, there has been a rise in unregulated ESA certifications that has led to skepticism and potential abuse of the system.

This undermines the legitimacy of genuine support animals. This is why ensuring proper training and certification is essential to maintain the integrity of pet therapy programs.

Wrap Up

The bond between humans and animals offers unique therapeutic benefits, from reducing stress to enhancing emotional well-being. But, for pet therapy to be effective and respected, it’s crucial to address the challenges associated with training, certification, and legal recognition.