Many forms of pet therapy exist. The forms most easily adapted for residents are ownership therapy, a more involved option in which a resident actually owns a pet to take care of, and visitation therapy, the most common form of pet therapy wherein a pet is brought in for a visit with a resident.

Researchers know that pets make people less likely to feel lonely, visit the doctor less often, take less medication, recover from illness faster, and cope better with stress. These are all benefits that would improve every resident's life! As for visitation pet therapy, even spending just 15 minutes with an animal initiates hormonal changes in the brain, dropping stress levels and increasing serotonin (a “feel-good” hormone) levels.

On a deeper level, there are emotional, physical, and mental benefits to pet therapy. Increased self-esteem and confidence is an example of an emotional benefit, while lowered blood pressure & Increased socialization are example of physical and mental advantages of pet therapy, respectively.

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