7 August 2025
Department of Communications
225-769-4764 | communications@stjosephholdings.com
The Carpenter Health Network
BATON ROUGE, LA – Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is an emerging intervention that has proven to be effective among a diverse range of populations. Among those populations, evidence has shown that those who have neurological conditions such as strokes, TBI’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and more have received emotional, physical, and psychological benefits from interacting with animals in a therapy-like setting and even at home (Pandey, et al., 2024). Many people who experience life changing neurological events and illnesses experience a natural decrease in their mobility, socialization, and independence that negatively effects their recovery.
How are animals used in therapy?
There are many ways to incorporate animals in a therapeutic setting. It could be as simple as spending time with the animal, taking a walk with the animal, or completing a task with the animal that incorporates certain physical or psychological exercises that will benefit the participant. Depending on the animal type, breed, size, and temperament, the handler will usually base the therapy activities that they engage in off of this. For example, a dog with a calmer energy may be a good fit for a nursing home setting, while a more energetic dog may be better fit to be around children.
What are the observed benefits of owning an animal or participating in AAT for those with neurological conditions?
The American Heart Association found that on average, dog owners live longer and are able to recover from life changing events like heart attacks or strokes faster than those who did not own a dog (cite). In a 2021 study completed with 30 post-stroke participants, it was found that the experimental group who received AAT showed significantly higher increases in rehabilitation participation, motivation, gait performance, and pulmonary function than the control group.
Pandey, R. P., Himanshu, Gunjan, Mukherjee, R., & Chang, C. M. (2024). The Role of Animal-Assisted Therapy in Enhancing Patients’ Well-Being: Systematic Study of the Qualitative and Quantitative Evidence. JMIRx med, 5, e51787. https://doi.org/10.2196/51787
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