What Are Therapy Dogs?
Spending time with a therapy dog can be a positive experience and facilitate a more peaceful & balanced mental state.
Therapy dogs can play a unique role in supporting mental health and well-being by providing comfort, reducing stress, and fostering a sense of healing across a variety of settings, from hospitals and schools to long-term healthcare facilities and special groups for trauma survivors.
To give you a bit more insight into the healing power of therapy dogs, our team at Boots & Paws has created this guide to therapy dogs as a resource for anyone who may be curious about the benefits that our furry friends can provide.
Benefits of Therapy Dogs
In a world where stress and anxiety seem ever-present, the potential benefits of therapy dogs have gained significant recognition.
These trained canines offer comfort, support, and therapeutic benefits to humans.
Therapy dogs have the remarkable ability to connect with people on a deep emotional level. Their presence alone can provide comfort and alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Stress Reduction: Therapy dogs help reduce stress and anxiety. Their presence can help employees or students relax, especially during intense periods like deadlines, major project launches, or exams.
Boosting Morale: The presence of a therapy dog can improve mood and confidence, while offering a pleasant and unique break from the usual routine.
Social Dynamics: Dogs can act as social catalysts, encouraging interaction among individuals who might not usually talk to each other. This can enhance team cohesion and improve communication.
Physical Health: Interacting with dogs has been shown to lower blood pressure and release endorphins, creating a sense of well-being.
Mental Health: Bringing a therapy dog in can promote more open, easier conversations around mental health. It also shows an organization or institution’s commitment to mental health and well-being.
Crisis & Trauma: After a crisis or traumatic event, therapy dogs may help reduce stress & anxiety. We visit schools, offices, police & fire departments, hospitals, and other environments where people may benefit from their calming effect.
Impact on Mental Health
Research has shown that interacting with dogs can boost the release of oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and stress reduction. Additional benefits can include lowered blood pressure and an increase in serotonin and dopamine levels, which are neurotransmitters associated with feelings of happiness and well-being,
The bond formed between humans and therapy dogs can create a unique and powerful healing dynamic.
The simple presence of a therapy dog can also provide a sense of security and calm, allowing for the creation of a safe space for individuals who are struggling with mental health challenges.
Traits of Effective Therapy Dogs
Not all dogs are well suited to be therapy dogs. The best candidates for the job often have specific traits, including a calm demeanor, friendly attitude, and affectionate nature.
Certain breeds, like Labrador Retrievers, Poodles, and Golden Retrievers, are often preferred because of these characteristics. These breeds are known for their gentle and loving nature, making them ideal for therapy work.
Environments Where Therapy Dogs Are Most Useful
Therapy dogs can be found in a variety of environments that serve a unique purpose, some of the most common spaces for canine therapy are:
Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities: Therapy dogs can visit patients to help reduce the stress and anxiety associated with medical treatments. Their presence can also aid with pain management and recovery by promoting a more relaxed and positive environment.
Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities: For elderly residents, therapy dogs offer companionship and a sense of connection in settings that might otherwise feel isolated. These interactions can help combat loneliness and improve the mood and cognitive function of facility residents.
Schools and Educational Settings: Therapy dogs can support students with learning difficulties or emotional challenges. They can help children develop reading skills by acting as attentive, nonjudgmental listeners and can also provide comfort during stressful situations.
Corporate Environments: Therapy dog visits can reduce stress, boost morale, improve mental health, and enhance productivity by lowering cortisol levels and providing much-needed support to employees in corporate environments or high-stress jobs.
Disaster Areas & Crisis Situations: Therapy dogs can be deployed to areas affected by natural disasters or traumatic events to provide emotional support to both the survivors and first responders. The dogs’ presence can provide a sense of comfort and a feeling of normalcy during challenging times.
Interested in Getting a Visit From a Therapy Dog?
Therapy dogs can offer invaluable support, comfort, joy, and healing to those who need it most.
We offer contracted therapy dog visits, tailoring our services to meet the unique needs of each occasion. Whether it's a corporate event, educational setting, or a community gathering, our Boots & Paws therapy dogs add a special touch of warmth and comfort.
Community Support | Our therapy dogs volunteer their time & love at local Hudson Valley police departments and fire stations, providing support and comfort to those who serve us all.
Regional Availability | Our services are offered locally throughout the greater Hudson Valley Region of New York.
Customized Experiences | We work closely with our clients to create a customized experience. Our goal is to ensure that our therapy dogs meet the specific needs and preferences of your audience, making every interaction meaningful and memorable.
Please note that our therapy dogs are available for a variety of events and settings, but we do not offer therapy dogs for permanent placement.
Boots & Paws provides free companion dogs to guardians
Boots & Paws is a program of Guardian Revival, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that improves the mental health & well-being of military & first responders — our guardians — and their families, at no cost to them.
Our guardians are (active, former, and retired) Military, Veterans, Reserves, National Guard, Law Enforcement, Fire & Rescue, Emergency Medical Services, Dispatchers, Corrections, and Federal Agents.
Dog ownership provides therapeutic benefits, including reducing stress & anxiety, easing depression & loneliness, and encouraging regular exercise.
