Animal-Assisted Therapy for Anxiety: What the Evidence Says

Contact with animals — from therapy dogs to equine-assisted work — has a growing evidence base for reducing anxiety. Here is what the research actually shows.

By Gyfts Editorial Team 27 November 2024

Reviewed by Dr. Ava Gardner · Integrative Medicine Researcher12 March 2026Emerging evidence

Animal-Assisted Therapy for Anxiety: What the Evidence Says — holistic health

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Quick answer

Contact with animals — from therapy dogs to equine-assisted work — has a growing evidence base for reducing anxiety. Here is what the research actually shows.

Key Takeaways

•Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a structured, goal-directed intervention involving a trained practitioner.
•Multiple studies show reductions in cortisol, heart rate, and self-reported anxiety following animal contact.
•Therapy dogs are the most studied; equine-assisted therapy also has a growing evidence base.
•AAT appears particularly effective for social anxiety, PTSD, and anxiety in children.
•It should complement other therapeutic approaches rather than replace them.
•Practitioner training, animal welfare, and hygiene are important quality indicators.

What Is Animal-Assisted Therapy?

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a goal-directed intervention in which an animal that meets specific criteria is an integral part of the treatment process. It is delivered by a health professional with specialised expertise and within the scope of their practice — distinguishing it from casual animal visits or simply owning a pet.

The Evidence Base

A 2019 meta-analysis of 49 studies found that AAT produced significant reductions in anxiety, depression, and pain, with anxiety showing the largest and most consistent effects. Physiological studies support the psychological data: multiple trials have measured reductions in cortisol, heart rate, and blood pressure following structured animal contact.

Populations with Strongest Evidence

Children and Adolescents

AAT with children shows some of the most consistent results. Studies in school settings, paediatric hospitals, and child mental health services find reliable anxiety reduction, improved social interaction, and greater engagement with therapeutic processes when animals are present.

PTSD

Veterans and trauma survivors represent a population where AAT — particularly equine-assisted therapy — has attracted significant research attention. Multiple studies find reductions in PTSD symptom severity, hypervigilance, and social isolation.

Proposed Mechanisms

The most studied biological mechanism is oxytocin release — the neuropeptide associated with bonding and social connection — which is elevated in both humans and animals during positive contact. Psychological mechanisms include attentional shift away from anxious rumination and the safety cue provided by a calm, responsive animal presence.

Quality Indicators

When seeking a practitioner, look for: formal training in AAT, a certified therapy animal assessed for temperament and health, clear therapeutic goals and documentation, and explicit attention to animal welfare. Organisations such as Pet Partners and the UK's Pets As Therapy provide certification frameworks.

Evidence Context

moderate

Moderate evidence from clinical trials and meta-analyses supports AAT for anxiety reduction across multiple populations. A 2019 meta-analysis of 49 studies found significant reductions in anxiety, stress, and depression.

Safety & Considerations

Animal allergies, phobias, or significant fear of animals contraindicate AAT. Animal welfare must be a central consideration — ethical practitioners prioritise the wellbeing of therapy animals.

Who May Benefit

People with anxiety disorders seeking a complementary approach
Children and adolescents with anxiety or social difficulties
People with PTSD
Those for whom verbal therapy is difficult or inaccessible

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between AAT and emotional support animals?

AAT is a structured, goal-directed intervention delivered by a trained practitioner using certified animals. Emotional support animals provide comfort to their owners through companionship but are not trained for therapeutic work.

How does animal contact reduce anxiety?

Several mechanisms are proposed: oxytocin release during animal contact, reduction in cortisol levels, distraction from anxious cognition, and the non-judgemental presence of an animal providing a safe relational experience.

Is AAT ethical for the animals?

In accredited programmes, yes. Ethical AAT prioritises animal welfare — animals are screened for suitability, given rest periods, and can choose to disengage. Organisations such as Pet Partners have welfare standards. Always ask practitioners about their animal welfare protocols.

Written by

Gyfts Editorial Team

Editorial team at Gyfts researching holistic health modalities.

Reviewed by

Dr. Ava Gardner

Integrative Medicine Researcher

MB BCh BAO, MSc Integrative Medicine, MRCGP

Dr. Ava Gardner is a Dublin-based integrative medicine physician with over 15 years of clinical experience bridging conventional general practice and evidence-based complementary care. She holds a Masters in Integrative Medicine from the University of Arizona and has worked extensively in chronic pain management, women's hormonal health, and mind-body medicine. Dr. Gardner reviews health content for Gyfts to ensure clinical accuracy, balanced evidence presentation, and responsible safety guidance across modality and condition pages.

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