Background
- Animal companionship has been used as an informal source of comfort and relief of suffering across cultures throughout history.
- For over 40 years, pet therapy has been a subject of serious study for nursing and other healthcare disciplines concerned with emotional well-being and quality of life.
- Pet therapy is used with people of all ages, but particularly with children and the elderly.
- Pet therapy offers psychological benefits in terms of emotional connection, stress reduction, and reduced feelings of loneliness or isolation.
- Pet therapy is used in clinical programs to treat social or emotional difficulties and communication disorders.
References
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