therapy dog#Cognitive

Dogs have been utilized as a therapeutic resource by many medical professionals over the last few centuries. In the late 1800s, Florence Nightingale observed that small pets helped reduce anxiety and improve recovery in children and adults living in psychiatric institutions.{{Cite journal |last1=Rummel |first1=Margaret |last2=Dickson |first2=Ashley |date=2019-08-05 |title=The Therapy Dog Will See You Now |url=https://www.jons-online.com/special-issues-and-supplements/2018/best-practices-in-lung-cancer-november-2018-vol-9?view=article&artid=2492:the-therapy-dog-will-see-you-now|language=en-gb|journal=Journal of Oncology Navigation Survivorship |volume=10 |issue=8 |access-date=2022-07-11|archive-date=2021-11-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111173944/https://www.jons-online.com/special-issues-and-supplements/2018/best-practices-in-lung-cancer-november-2018-vol-9?view=article&artid=2492:the-therapy-dog-will-see-you-now|url-status=live}} Sigmund Freud began using his own pet dog to improve communication with his psychiatric patients in the 1930s.{{Cite journal |last1=Haynes |first1=Beverly |last2=Thomason |first2=Judith |date=April–June 2019 |title=Shelby Will Shine: Planning for a Full-Time Animal-Assisted Therapy Dog in a Weight Management Clinic |journal=Journal of Pediatric Surgical Nursing |volume=8 |url=https://journals.lww.com/journalofpediatricsurgicalnursing/Fulltext/2019/04000/Shelby_Will_Shine__Planning_for_a_Full_Time.3.aspx |issue=2 |pages=23–25 |doi=10.1097/JPS.0000000000000204 |s2cid=243491247 |language=en-US |access-date=2022-07-11 |archive-date=2022-06-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220615115052/https://journals.lww.com/journalofpediatricsurgicalnursing/Fulltext/2019/04000/Shelby_Will_Shine__Planning_for_a_Full_Time.3.aspx|url-status=live|doi-access=free}}{{Cite web |title=Animal-Assisted Therapy: An Exploration of Its History, Healing Benefits, and How Skilled Nursing Facilities Can Set Up Programs |url=https://www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/altc/articles/animal-assisted-therapy-exploration-its-history-healing-benefits-and-how-skilled-nursing |access-date=2021-11-11 |website=www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com |archive-date=2021-11-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111180942/https://www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/altc/articles/animal-assisted-therapy-exploration-its-history-healing-benefits-and-how-skilled-nursing |url-status=live }} More recently, Elaine Smith established the first therapy dog organization in 1976 after observing positive effects of dogs on hospital patients during her work as a registered nurse.{{Cite book |last1=Cusack |first1=Odean |last2=Smith |first2=Elaine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4LGOAwAAQBAJ&dq=elaine+smith+therapy+dog&pg=PP1 |title=Pets and the Elderly: The Therapeutic Bond |date=2014-05-12 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-317-77444-0 |language=en |access-date=2022-07-11 |archive-date=2022-04-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407160639/https://books.google.com/books?id=4LGOAwAAQBAJ&dq=elaine+smith+therapy+dog&pg=PP1 |url-status=live}}{{Cite journal |last=Geldenhuys |first=Kotie |date=2015-10-01 |title=Therapy dogs : a voice to traumatised children and the lonely elderly |url=https://journals.co.za/doi/abs/10.10520/EJC177616 |url-status=dead |journal=Servamus Community-based Safety and Security Magazine |volume=108 |issue=10 |pages=21–23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711065626/https://journals.co.za/doi/abs/10.10520/EJC177616 |archive-date=2022-07-11 |access-date=2022-07-11 |hdl=10520/EJC177616}} Assistance Dogs International followed in 1986, with the merger of several organizations.{{Cite web |title=Who We Are |url=https://assistancedogsinternational.org/about/who-we-are/ |access-date=2025-05-07 |website=Assistance Dogs International |language=en}}

File:Timmi the Therapy dog from Israel Bernese Mountain Dog 06.jpg

Brian Hare, director of Duke University Canine Cognition Center, says the human-canine bond goes back thousands of years. Hare states, "Dogs have been drawn to people since humans began to exist in settlements [...] part of what makes dogs special is that they are one of the only species that does not generally exhibit xenophobia, meaning fear of strangers. We've done research on this, and what we've found is that not only are most dogs totally not xenophobic, they're actually xenophilic - they love strangers!".{{Cite web |date=2013-04-20 |title=After the Bombing, Comfort Dogs Come to Boston |url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/130418-boston-marathon-dogs-comfort-newtown |access-date=2023-12-09 |website=Animals |language=en}} Although a dog does not think according to language, people often intuit that dogs are compassionate and communicative. This builds a feeling of intimacy, leading the person to feel safe and understood. This can benefit the grieving human, who may be apprehensive about talking with another person for the fear of being hurt or lied to. Pets are an addition to therapy because they allow people to feel safe and accepted.Beck, Alan, and Aaron Honori Katcher. Between Pets and People: The Importance of Animal Companionship: New York: Putnam, c1983, 1983. Print.

In order for a dog to be a good candidate to become a therapy dog and receive certification, they should be calm and social with strangers. They should also be able to adjust to loud noises and fast movements.{{Cite web|url=https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/training-dog-therapy/|title=Training your Dog to be a Therapy Dog|website=American Kennel Club|access-date=2022-07-11|archive-date=2018-11-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126221701/https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/training-dog-therapy/|url-status=live}} There are certain steps that are needed for a dog to become certified by a national organization such as The Alliance of Therapy Dogs, e.g., to socialize the dog around other animals and people. They are tested on behaviors such as not jumping on people and being able to walk on a loose leash. Exact testing/certification requirements differ based on the organization's requirements. Some organizations offer classes such as "distraction-proofing", which strengthens the dog's ability to focus and therapy training to help prepare the dog and the dog's owner for therapy visits.

Although therapy dogs are not limited to a certain size or breed, common breeds used in therapy dog application and research include the Golden Retriever and the Labrador Retriever.{{cite book|last=Fine|first=Aubrey H.|title=Handbook on Animal-Assisted Therapy: Foundations and Guidelines for Animal-Assisted Interventions|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0eacBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA105|date=May 12, 2015|publisher=Academic Press|isbn=978-0-12-801436-3|page=105|access-date=July 11, 2022|archive-date=April 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420142704/https://books.google.com/books?id=0eacBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA105|url-status=live}}{{cite journal|last1=Silva|first1=Nathiana B.|last2=Osório|first2=Flávia L.|date=April 4, 2018|title=Impact of an animal-assisted therapy programme on physiological and psychosocial variables of paediatric oncology patients|journal=PLOS ONE|volume=4|issue=13|pages=e0194731|doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0194731|pmc=5884536|pmid=29617398|bibcode=2018PLoSO..1394731S|doi-access=free}}{{cite journal |last1=Davis |first1=Rebecca |title=A 4-Legged Approach to Clinical Education and Research |journal=The ASHA Leader |date=May 1, 2018 |volume=23 |issue=5 |pages=32–33 |doi=10.1044/leader.AE.23052018.32 }} Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are considered natural therapy dogs since they were bred to be companion dogs. Thus they love meeting new people including children, are very gentle, and are eager to sit on someone's lap for long periods of time and are small enough to do so.{{Cite web|title=Therapy Dogs {{!}} Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club|url=https://ckcsc.org/therapy-dogs|access-date=2020-08-18|website=ckcsc.org|language=en|archive-date=2020-05-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200511100423/https://ckcsc.org/therapy-dogs|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://gingercavalier.com/blog/cavalier-king-charles-one-best-therapy-service-dogs/|title=Cavalier King Charles, One of the Best Therapy Service Dogs – Ruby Cavalier King Charles Spaniel|access-date=2022-07-11|archive-date=2020-09-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920101103/https://gingercavalier.com/blog/cavalier-king-charles-one-best-therapy-service-dogs/|url-status=live}}

Therapy dogs offer many benefits to people and patients. For example, therapy dogs help patients participate in physical activities. They also help encourage them to have cognitive, social, and communication goals.{{Cite book|title=Therapy Dogs Today, 2nd Edition: Their Gifts, Our Obligations |last=Butler |first=Kris |publisher=Dogwise Publishing |year=2013 |isbn=978-0-9747793-7-9 |location=Norman, OK}}

Franklin K. Lane, Secretary of the Interior at the time, proposed utilizing dogs with psychiatric patients at St Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington, DC in the year 1919.{{Cite journal |last1=Velde |first1=Beth P. |last2=Cipriani |first2=Joseph |last3=Fisher |first3=Grace |date=2005-03-01 |title=Resident and therapist views of animal-assisted therapy: Implications for occupational therapy practice |journal=Australian Occupational Therapy Journal |language=en |volume=52 |issue=1 |pages=43–50 |doi=10.1111/j.1440-1630.2004.00442.x |doi-access=free |issn=0045-0766}} Florence Nightingale also contributed ideas to the future field of Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT). She discovered that patients of different ages living in a psychiatric institution were relieved from anxiety when they were able to spend time with small animals.{{Cite book |last=Compitus |first=Katherine |title=The human-animal bond in clinical social work practice |date=2021 |publisher=Springer |isbn=978-3-030-87783-5 |series=Essential clinical social work series |location=Cham, Switzerland}} Freud believed that dogs could sense certain levels of tension being felt by his patients. Freud also used his dog to improve communication with his patients. He felt as if his patients were more comfortable talking to his dog at first and this opened up doors for them to later feel more comfortable talking to him. Boris Levinson, an American child psychiatrist, was one of the first to write about animal therapy, specifically with dogs as a tool to facilitate work with a child client. Dr. Levinson found the dog’s presence helped his pediatric clients with positive focus, communication, and allowing the initiation of therapy, and shared this information with the medical world in 1961. About 10 years later, psychiatrists Sam and Elizabeth Corson at Ohio State University Psychiatric Hospital used Levinson's findings to expand this form of therapy to adults.{{Cite journal |last1=Hooker |first1=Shirley D. |last2=Holbrook Freeman |first2=Linda |last3=Stewart |first3=Pamela |date=October 2002 |title=Pet Therapy Research |url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/00004650-200210000-00006 |journal=Holistic Nursing Practice |volume=17 |issue=1 |pages=17–23 |doi=10.1097/00004650-200210000-00006 |pmid=12465214 |s2cid=5800108 |issn=0887-9311|url-access=subscription }} The use of therapy can also be attributed to Elaine Smith, a registered nurse. While a chaplain and his dog visited, Smith noticed the comfort that this visit seemed to bring the patients. In 1976, Smith started a program for training dogs to visit institutions, and the demand for therapy dogs continued to grow.

Therapy dogs are usually not assistance or service dogs, but can be one or both with some organizations.

Many organizations provide evaluation and registration for therapy dogs. Typical tests might ensure that a dog can handle sudden loud or strange noises; can walk on assorted unfamiliar surfaces comfortably; are not frightened by people with canes, wheelchairs, or unusual styles of walking or moving; get along well with children and the elderly; and so on. Institutions may invite, limit, or prohibit access by therapy dogs. If allowed, many institutions have requirements for therapy dogs. United States–based Therapy Dogs International (TDI) bans the use of service dogs in their therapy dog program.{{cite web |title=Therapy Dogs International |url=http://www.tdi-dog.org/HowToJoin.aspx?Page=Testing+Requirements |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422160817/https://www.tdi-dog.org/HowToJoin.aspx?Page=Testing+Requirements |archive-date=2021-04-22 |access-date=2014-11-25 |website=www.tdi-dog.org}}{{cite web |title=ADA Requirements: Service Animals |url=http://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711125702/http://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm |archive-date=2011-07-11 |access-date=2013-09-09 |website=www.ada.gov}} Service dogs perform tasks for persons with disabilities and have a legal right to accompany their owners in most areas.{{cite web|url=http://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.pdf|title=Revised ADA Requirements: Service Animals.|date=2011|publisher=ADA|access-date=2013-07-23|archive-date=2020-01-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200125222131/https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.pdf|url-status=live}}

In Canada, St John Ambulance provides therapy dog certification. In the UK, Pets As Therapy (PAT) provides visiting dogs and cats to establishments where pets are otherwise not available. Also in the UK, Therapy Dogs Nationwide (TDN) and Canine Concern CIO provide visiting dogs to establishments.

Specialist therapy dogs have been described in various ways:

• Therapeutic visitation dogs.{{Cite web |date=2018-05-05 |title=Therapy Dogs - The Different Types & Their Benefits {{!}} Fienberg Consulting |url=https://feinbergcare.com/therapy-dogs-the-different-types-and-their-benefits/ |url-status=dead |access-date=2019-04-01 |website=Feinberg Consulting |language=en-US |archive-date=2019-04-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401005826/https://feinbergcare.com/therapy-dogs-the-different-types-and-their-benefits/ }} These dogs are usually household pets; the owner of these dogs will take their pets to hospitals, nursing homes or rehabilitation facilities to visit patients. These dogs are used to improve the mental health of patients through socialization and encouragement.
• Animal-assisted therapy dogs (AAT): dogs that fall under this category have the duty of providing assistance to patients to reach certain goals towards their recovery. They work to help patients gain skills such as motor skills, use of limbs and hand-eye coordination. They do this by walking patients through certain activities and games to help them practice these skills. These dogs are usually based in rehabilitation facilities.
• Facility therapy dog: these dogs usually work in nursing homes along with their handlers. They live at the facility and help patients with Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive and mental illnesses.
• Grief therapy dog (also known as an emotional support dog, companion dog, or comfort dog):Christensen, Peter. "Service Dogs, Emotional Support Dogs and Therapy Dogs." Service Dogs, Emotional Support Dogs and Therapy Dogs. N.p., 2015. Web. 03 Dec. 2015. assist people in overcoming grief, which has led to a recent rise in the use of therapy dogs; although animal-assisted therapy theory has been around since World War II.Woodruff, Racheal. "Dogs Healing Power over Grief." Guardian Liberty Voice. N.p., 11 Feb. 2014. Web. 03 Dec. 2015. Grief therapy dogs can be found in locations such as funeral homes, hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and hospices,Woodruff, Racheal. "Dogs Healing Power over Grief." Guardian Liberty Voice. N.p., 11 Feb. 2014. Web. 03 Dec. 2015. and may provide support in situations such as funeral services, counseling sessions, and disaster relief. Popular breeds used as therapy dogs include the Portuguese Water Dog, Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and Golden Retriever. In contrast to service dogs who assist disabled people with physical tasks, comfort dogs are not trained in skilled tasks, but serve as constant companions with a keen sense for someone feeling down.Turnbull, Joann. "Is a 'Comfort Dog' a Service Dog?" Delta Society Animals Helping People. Seattlepi, 21 Feb. 2009. Web. 03 Dec. 2015. They can provide a way for people who are distressed to find sanctuary."What Does a Comfort Animal Do?" comfortanimals.net. Comfort Animals. 2015. Web. 7 Dec.2015.

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In the United States, therapy dogs are defined but not covered or protected under the Federal Housing Act or Americans with Disabilities Act. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, only dogs that are "individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability" have legal protection as a service animal.{{cite web|url=https://adata.org/publication/service-animals-booklet|title=Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals - ADA National Network|website=adata.org|access-date=2015-12-28|archive-date=2015-12-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151214154052/http://adata.org/publication/service-animals-booklet|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/companimals/assist.htm |title=Information Resource on Assistance Animals for the Disabled |publisher=Nal.usda.gov |date=September 19, 2011|access-date=April 28, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120423142820/http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/companimals/assist.htm |archive-date=April 23, 2012}} Therapy dogs do not have public access rights with exception to the specific places they are visiting and working.{{clarify|date=June 2020}} Typically the dog would be granted rights by individual facilities only. Therapy dogs are subjected to several tests to ensure that they are fit for the job. These tests look at their ability to block out distractions, comfort level around a variety of people with many different disabilities, and if they are comfortably able to walk through many different terrains.

While some states define therapy animals and emotional support animals, they are not protected by federal laws, and therefore can be prohibited from businesses, restaurants and many other locations.{{Cite web|url=https://www.therapydogs.com/difference-therapy-dog-vs-service-dog/|title=Difference Between a Therapy Dog vs a Service Dog|last=Dogs|first=Alliance of Therapy|date=2017-03-12|website=Alliance of Therapy Dogs Inc.|language=en-US|access-date=2019-04-05|archive-date=2019-03-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190326163037/https://www.therapydogs.com/difference-therapy-dog-vs-service-dog/|url-status=live}}

Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) has been reported to improve many psychological conditions such as anxiety, depression, social skills, and simply improving the moods of the patient.{{Cite journal|last1=Chubak|first1=Jessica|last2=Hawkes|first2=Rene|last3=Dudzik|first3=Christi|last4=Foose-Foster|first4=Jessica M.|last5=Eaton|first5=Lauren|last6=Johnson|first6=Rebecca H.|last7=Macpherson|first7=Catherine Fiona|date= September–October 2017|title=Pilot Study of Therapy Dog Visits for Inpatient Youth With Cancer|journal=Journal of Pediatric Oncology Nursing|volume=34|issue=5|pages=331–341|doi=10.1177/1043454217712983|issn=1532-8457|pmc=6711573|pmid=28614971}}{{Cite journal|last1=Hunt|first1=Melissa G.|last2=Chizkov|first2=Rachel R.|date=2014-09-01|title=Are Therapy Dogs Like Xanax? Does Animal-Assisted Therapy Impact Processes Relevant to Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy?|journal=Anthrozoös|volume=27|issue=3|pages=457–469|doi=10.2752/175303714X14023922797959|s2cid=149428596|issn=0892-7936|doi-access=free}}{{Cite web |last=Ernst |first=Lorraine |title=Animal-Assisted Therapy: An Exploration of Its History, Healing Benefits, and How Skilled Nursing Facilities Can Set Up Programs |url=https://www.managedhealthcareconnect.com/article/animal-assisted-therapy-exploration-its-history-healing-benefits-and-how-skilled-nursing |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160610003119/https://www.managedhealthcareconnect.com/article/animal-assisted-therapy-exploration-its-history-healing-benefits-and-how-skilled-nursing |archive-date=2016-06-10 |access-date=2019-04-05 |website=www.managedhealthcareconnect.com}}{{Cite journal |last1=Pandey |first1=Ramendra Pati |last2=Himanshu |last3=Gunjan |last4=Mukherjee |first4=Riya |last5=Chang |first5=Chung-Ming |date=2024-03-18 |title=The Role of Animal-Assisted Therapy in Enhancing Patients' Well-Being: Systematic Study of the Qualitative and Quantitative Evidence |journal=JMIRx Med |volume=5 |pages=e51787 |doi=10.2196/51787 |doi-access=free |issn=2563-6316 |pmid=38606668|pmc=10986847 }}

Additional psychological benefits of therapy dog programs in educational settings include provided comfort, companionship, a diversion to unpleasant thoughts or situations, and decreased resistance to relationship development in the therapy process.{{Cite web |title=Animal-Assisted Therapy Research {{!}} UCLA Health |url=https://www.uclahealth.org/pac/animal-assisted-therapy |website=www.uclahealth.org |access-date=2022-07-11 |archive-date=2022-06-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625140555/https://www.uclahealth.org/pac/animal-assisted-therapy |url-status=live }}{{medcn|date=February 2020}}

A large number of studies show that animals can offer relief and serenity to a wide age range of vulnerable people with various different emotional issues.Hart, Lynette A., PhD. "Companion Animals Enhancing Human Health and Wellbeing (Proceedings)." Dvm360.com. Dvm360, 1 Aug. 2008. Web. 04 Dec. 2015. Ross DeJohn Jr. of DeJohn Funeral Homes in Ohio says Magic, a Portuguese water dog, "Makes people smile even when they don't want to." (qtd. in Sinatra-Ayers). Amy Sather, Rincon Valley assistant principal, brings her 2-year-old Golden Retriever to the school to assist in the therapy of the children. Sather says, "I've got kids whose parents are going through a divorce and they are so depressed by it. I've had children literally hug and cry into his fur." (qtd. in Warren). Principal Brad Cosorelli claims the students will flock to the dog in time of distress instead of the counselor.Warren, Chis. "Therapy Dogs Becoming Fixtures in Santa Rosa Schools." Santa Rosa Press Democrat. The Press Democrat, 20 Nov. 2015. Web. 02 Dec. 2015. Children were found during a study to find their pet (in most cases dogs) a bigger comfort in sharing secrets or scary situations than they found the adults in the family to be.McNicholas, J., and G. M. Collis. "Children's Representations of Pets in Their Social Networks." Child: Care, Health and Development Child Care Health Dev 27.3 (2001): 279–94. Web. 9 Dec. 2015. In some cases, life experience has led people to believe they will be hurt by the people closest to them; animals can provide non-judgmental and unrestricted emotional support. This is true for both children and adults. In a survey done by the American Animal Hospital Association, many of those who responded specified that they were emotionally dependent on their pet. Therapists believe they can utilize clients' attachment to animals for therapeutic reasons (Urichuk). The presence of a dog in a therapy session has indicated improvements in a patient's outlook, as well as their willingness to share on a deeper level.Bryan, Jennifer L., Michelle C. Quist, Chelsie M. Young, Mai-Ly N. Steers, Dawn W. Foster, and Qian Lu. "Canine Comfort: Pet Affinity Buffers the Negative Impact of Ambivalence over Emotional Expression on Perceived Social Support." Personality and Individual Differences 68 (2014): 23–27. Web. The petting of an animal can also put a patient at ease, whereas a therapist must maintain a professional state and thus is unable to provide physical support. This creates a unique bridge for patient-therapist communication (Urichuk).

File:Greyhound Therapy Dogs.jpg]]

The University of Connecticut uses therapy dogs in their program Paws to Relax, available during finals week to help students deal with increased anxiety. The school uses them in other stressful situations, including suicides and deadly automobile accidents.{{Cite web |date=2012-01-26 |title=10 Colleges With Successful Pet Therapy Programs |url=https://deafdogsrock.com/10-colleges-with-successful-pet-therapy-programs |website=Deaf Dogs Rock |language=en-US |access-date=2022-07-11 |archive-date=2022-03-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220331082156/https://deafdogsrock.com/10-colleges-with-successful-pet-therapy-programs |url-status=live }} Since 2011, Yale Law School has used therapy dogs to aid students experiencing stress.{{Cite web |last=Dogs |first=Alliance of Therapy |date=2017-04-29 |title=Benefits of Therapy Dogs in Classrooms and on College Campuses |url=https://www.therapydogs.com/therapy-dogs-classrooms-campuses/ |website=Alliance of Therapy Dogs Inc. |language=en-US |access-date=2022-07-11 |archive-date=2021-11-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211122064612/https://www.therapydogs.com/therapy-dogs-classrooms-campuses/ |url-status=live }} Some colleges and universities in the US bring therapy dogs to campus to help students de-stress. These campus events are often referred to as "Therapy Fluffies", a term coined by Torrey Trust, the original founder of the University of California San Diego therapy dog de-stress event.{{cite web|url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/photos/galleries/2015/dec/08/therapy-fluffies-ucsd|title=Therapy Fluffies at UCSD|date=December 8, 2015|publisher=San Diego Tribune|last=Gastaldo|first=John|access-date=December 11, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223043749/http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/photos/galleries/2015/dec/08/therapy-fluffies-ucsd/|archive-date=December 23, 2015}} In 2009, Sharon Franks shared the idea of bringing therapy dogs to campus with the UC San Diego Office of Student Wellness.{{cite web |url=http://www.kpbs.org/news/2015/dec/09/san-diego-colleges-use-dogs-take-bite-out-exam-str |title=San Diego Colleges Use Dogs To Take Bite Out Of Exam Stress |author=Bowler, Matthew |date=December 9, 2015 |publisher=KPBS |access-date=December 11, 2015 |archive-date=December 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151213073453/http://www.kpbs.org/news/2015/dec/09/san-diego-colleges-use-dogs-take-bite-out-exam-str/ |url-status=live }}

Since the autumn of 2010, "Therapy Fluffies" has visited the UC Davis, UC Santa Cruz, and UC Riverside campuses during the week before mid-term and final exams.{{cite web|title=Therapy Fluffies at UC Davis|url=https://shcs.ucdavis.edu/blog/general-shcs-info/therapy-animals|access-date=March 22, 2015|archive-date=September 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927081418/https://shcs.ucdavis.edu/blog/general-shcs-info/therapy-animals|url-status=live}}{{cite web|author=Keckeisen, Kevin|title=Riverside: Therapy dogs help UCR students relieve stress|date=December 7, 2012|url=http://www.pe.com/articles/dogs-663137-student-year.html|publisher=The Press Enterprise|access-date=March 22, 2015|archive-date=April 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402120732/http://www.pe.com/articles/dogs-663137-student-year.html|url-status=live}} These events give students and staff the opportunity to pet and relax with therapy-certified dogs.{{cite web|title=The Mind Spa|url=https://shcs.ucdavis.edu/services/mindspa.html|access-date=March 22, 2015|archive-date=May 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160509104912/https://shcs.ucdavis.edu/services/mindspa.html|url-status=live}} The university also works with the Inland Empire Pet Partners, a service of the Humane Society to bring therapy-certified dogs to the campus' Mental Health Day Spa, held quarterly.{{cite web|title=Therapy dogs provide relief to stressed out students|url=http://newsroom.ucr.edu/news_item.html?action=page&id=2350|date=May 26, 2010|publisher=UC Riverside|access-date=March 22, 2015|archive-date=September 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925214614/http://newsroom.ucr.edu/news_item.html?action=page&id=2350|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Students at UC Riverside get some pet therapy as they cram for exams|url=http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2014/06/04/students-at-uc-riverside-get-some-pet-therapy-as-they-cram-for-exams/|date=June 4, 2014|publisher=CBS Los Angeles|access-date=March 22, 2015|archive-date=April 2, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402200039/http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2014/06/04/students-at-uc-riverside-get-some-pet-therapy-as-they-cram-for-exams/|url-status=live}}

In 2014, Concordia University, Wisconsin became the first university in the US to adopt a full-time therapy dog to its campus in Mequon, Wisconsin. The golden retriever, Zoey, is a Lutheran church Charities K-9 Comfort Dog, trained to interact with people at churches, schools, nursing homes, hospitals, events, and in disaster response situations.{{cite web|author=McCarthy, C. |title=K-9 comfort dog drives on CUW's campus |url=https://www.cuw.edu/About/pressreleases/index.cfm?p=1418|publisher=Concordia University Wisconsin |access-date=May 28, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140331070214/https://www.cuw.edu/About/pressreleases/index.cfm?p=1418 |archive-date=March 31, 2014 }} Concordia later purchased a second comfort dog, named Sage.{{cite web |last1=Thiel |first1=Kali |title=Double the love |date=2 October 2018 |url=https://blog.cuw.edu/double-the-love/ |publisher=Concordia University Wisconsin |access-date=11 July 2022 |archive-date=24 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220524193651/https://blog.cuw.edu/double-the-love/ |url-status=live }}

Therapy dogs were used to offer comfort to faculty, staff and students following the 2007 Virginia Tech shooting in Blacksburg, Virginia, when 32 people were killed. On December 14, 2012, therapy dogs were brought to the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, following the shooting and deaths of 26 people, providing comfort to children and parents.

The court system in King County, Washington uses a comfort dog with crime victims, particularly traumatized minors.{{cite web | last=Swaby | first=Natalie | title=King County's courthouse dog providing comfort in tough situations | website=king5.com | date=April 28, 2023 | url=https://www.king5.com/article/news/health/king-county-courthouse-dog-errol/281-4a20b294-6c72-4ebc-ba71-c2fdf2356f47 | access-date=May 5, 2023}}

In Uganda, The Comfort Dog Project pairs dogs with those traumatized by war. Participants learn how to care for and train the animals as the dogs assist with confidence, help with depression and assist with recovery from post traumatic stress disorder.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-49409125/ugandan-war-survivors-partnered-with-therapy-dogs|title=Ugandan War Survivors Partnered with Therapy Dogs|last=Martyn-Hemphill|first=Amelia|date=August 22, 2019|work=British Broadcasting Company|access-date=November 26, 2019|archive-date=October 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191013021712/https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-49409125/ugandan-war-survivors-partnered-with-therapy-dogs|url-status=live}}

Programs such as the Reading Education Assistance Dogs (R.E.A.D.) program promote literacy and communication skills. The practice uses therapy dogs to encourage children to read aloud by giving them a nonjudgmental listener.{{cite news |url=http://www.timesleader.com/news/644170/event-at-pittston-memorial-library-allows-youngsters-to-read-to-animals |title=Event at Pittston Memorial Library allows youngsters to read to animals |author=Thackara, Gina |newspaper=Times Leader |date=March 19, 2017 |access-date=July 11, 2022 |archive-date=February 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206131508/http://www.timesleader.com/news/644170/event-at-pittston-memorial-library-allows-youngsters-to-read-to-animals |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Sherwinski |first=Adam |url=http://www.fourstateshomepage.com/news/joplin-public-library-gets-surprise-visit-from-therapy-dogs/946335825 |title=Joplin Public Library gets surprise visit from therapy dogs |publisher=Four States Home Page |date=January 30, 2018 |access-date=July 11, 2022 |archive-date=September 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918072436/https://www.fourstateshomepage.com/news/joplin-public-library-gets-surprise-visit-from-therapy-dogs/946335825 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Harding |first=Tanner |url=https://sippican.villagesoup.com/p/famous-amos-therapy-dog-a-hit-at-plumb-library/1720706 |title=Famous Amos: Therapy dog a hit at Plumb library |publisher=Sippican Week |date=January 28, 2018 |access-date=July 11, 2022 |archive-date=July 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711065638/https://sippican.theweektoday.com/node/32263 |url-status=live }}{{cite news|url=https://observer-reporter.com/news/localnews/woman-rescues-spanish-greyhounds-gives-them-new-purpose-in-life/article_4d9ef708-01dd-11e8-bab9-4384b0a7a5bb.html|title=Woman rescues Spanish greyhounds, gives them new purpose in life|author=Van Kirk, Celeste|date=February 4, 2018|newspaper=Observer-Reporter|access-date=July 11, 2022|archive-date=October 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003203932/https://observer-reporter.com/news/localnews/woman-rescues-spanish-greyhounds-gives-them-new-purpose-in-life/article_4d9ef708-01dd-11e8-bab9-4384b0a7a5bb.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://citizensvoice.com/arts-living/therapy-animals-healing-power-in-furry-or-feathered-packages-1.1742811|title=Therapy animals: Healing power in furry, or feathered, packages|author=Endo, Judy|date=August 31, 2014|publisher=The Citizens Voice|access-date=July 11, 2022|archive-date=March 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190329152858/https://www.citizensvoice.com/arts-living/therapy-animals-healing-power-in-furry-or-feathered-packages-1.1742811|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://www.therapyanimals.org/Read_Team_Steps.html |title=Read Team Steps |publisher=Therapy Animals |access-date=2022-07-11 |archive-date=2021-05-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514072717/http://therapyanimals.org/Read_Team_Steps.html |url-status=live }} It has been proven that the academic performance and children's enthusiasm for reading has increased by having a therapeutic dog with them, especially in children with special education.{{cite journal|last=Chang|first=Heather|title=Creating a Therapy Dog Program To Promote Reading, Reduce Stress|journal=School Library Journal|date=1 April 2019|url=https://www.slj.com/?detailStory=creating-a-therapy-dog-program-promote-reading-reduce-stress-school|access-date=11 July 2022|archive-date=19 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210619053718/https://www.slj.com/?detailStory=creating-a-therapy-dog-program-promote-reading-reduce-stress-school|url-status=live}} Goals of canine-assisted reading programs include increasing reading fluency, increasing motivation to read, providing encouragement for reluctant readers, and making reading fun.{{cite journal |last1=Lane |first1=Holly B. |last2=Zavada |first2=Shannon D.W. |title=When Reading Gets Ruff: Canine-Assisted Reading Programs |journal=The Reading Teacher |date=October 2013 |volume=67 |issue=2 |pages=87–95 |doi=10.1002/TRTR.1204 |jstor=24573538 }}

These cognitive benefits can be seen in libraries as well as schools.{{cite web|last=Denning|first=Jillian|title=Therapy Dogs in the Library: A Pawsitive Experience.|website=ALSC Blog|date=2 August 2019|url=https://www.alsc.ala.org/blog/2019/02/therapy-dogs-in-the-library-a-pawsitive-experience/|access-date=11 July 2022|archive-date=4 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004003703/https://www.alsc.ala.org/blog/2019/02/therapy-dogs-in-the-library-a-pawsitive-experience/|url-status=live}} Internationally, there are programs that use therapy dogs in educational settings such as Germany,{{cite web|last=Busch|first=F.|date=4 October 2019|title=Warum Kinder an einer Münchner Grundschule einer Hündin Geschichten vorlesen.|language=de|url=https://www.stern.de/familie/leben/dogs/lesehund-im-unterricht--kinder-lesen-hunden-vor-und-beide-profitieren-8935708.html|access-date=11 July 2022|archive-date=5 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705191622/https://www.stern.de/familie/leben/dogs/lesehund-im-unterricht--kinder-lesen-hunden-vor-und-beide-profitieren-8935708.html|url-status=live}} Argentina,{{cite web|last=Martin|first=E.|date=6 October 2016|title=Leyendo con perros|language=es|url=https://blog.es.idealist.org/leyendo-con-perros/|access-date=11 July 2022|archive-date=18 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210618021737/http://blog.es.idealist.org/leyendo-con-perros/|url-status=live}} Finland (Lukukoira Sylvi from Kuopio, Finland was the first animal nominated for Citizen of the Year),{{cite web|last=Pirinen|first=A.|date=15 November 2019|title=Tässä ovat Vuoden kuopiolainen -ehdokkaat – Äänestä suosikkiasi!|language=fi|url=https://www.kaupunkilehti.fi/tassa-ovat-vuoden-kuopiolainen-ehdokkaat-%E2%80%89aanesta-suosikkiasi/|access-date=11 July 2022|archive-date=9 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809080254/https://www.kaupunkilehti.fi/tassa-ovat-vuoden-kuopiolainen-ehdokkaat-%E2%80%89aanesta-suosikkiasi/|url-status=live}} and Croatia,{{cite conference |last1=Gabriel |first1=Dunja Marija |last2=Lencek |first2=Mirjana |last3=Sabljak |first3=Ljiljana |title=Dyslexia and Library Programmes for Motivation to Read in Croatia |date=2014 |conference=IFLA WLIC 2014 |url=http://library.ifla.org/948/ |access-date=2022-07-11 |archive-date=2021-07-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730231242/http://library.ifla.org/948/ |url-status=live }} for example.

An article published by the American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease & Other Dementias reported that during visits with dogs, residents with dementia were able to be involved in special activities and were more verbal than usual. Researchers have identified further cognitive benefits of therapy dogs, which include an increase in mental stimulation and assistance in the recall of memories and the sequence of events.

Interaction with therapy dogs improves cardiovascular health, and as a result patients may need less medication. Personal pet visitation and animal-assisted interventions (AAIs) can benefit patients' pain, blood pressure, stress, depression, and anxiety, as well as increasing mobility and socialization with staff and families.{{Cite book|last=Davidson|first=Judy E.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gUXpDwAAQBAJ&dq=Personal+pet+visitation+and+animal-assisted+interventions+(AAIs)+can+benefit+patients%27+pain,+blood+pressure,+stress,+depression,+and+anxiety,+as+well+as+increasing+mobility+and+socialization+with+staff+and+families.&pg=PP1|title=Patient and Family Experience in the ICU, An Issue of Critical Care Nursing Clinics of North America|date=2020-06-04|publisher=Elsevier Health Sciences|isbn=978-0-323-75939-7|language=en|access-date=2022-07-11|archive-date=2022-07-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711065627/https://books.google.com/books?id=gUXpDwAAQBAJ&dq=Personal+pet+visitation+and+animal-assisted+interventions+%28AAIs%29+can+benefit+patients%27+pain%2C+blood+pressure%2C+stress%2C+depression%2C+and+anxiety%2C+as+well+as+increasing+mobility+and+socialization+with+staff+and+families.&pg=PP1|url-status=live}} Further, petting animals promotes the release of hormones that can elevate moods, specifically serotonin, prolactin and oxytocin. Patients receiving occupational therapy have improved their fine motor skills by grooming therapy dogs.{{cite journal |last1=Foreman |first1=Anne M. |last2=Allison |first2=Penelope |last3=Poland |first3=Michelle |last4=Jean Meade |first4=B. |last5=Wirth |first5=Oliver |title=Employee Attitudes about the Impact of Visitation Dogs on a College Campus |journal=Anthrozoös |date=15 January 2019 |volume=32 |issue=1 |pages=35–50 |doi=10.1080/08927936.2019.1550280 |s2cid=150143622 }} Studies have found decreased cortisol levels in children with insecure attachment styles, children with autistic spectrum disorder, in hospital patients with heart failure, and in healthcare professionals, after physical contact with a dog.{{cite journal |last1=Beetz |first1=Andrea |last2=Uvnäs-Moberg |first2=Kerstin |last3=Julius |first3=Henri |last4=Kotrschal |first4=Kurt |title=Psychosocial and Psychophysiological Effects of Human-Animal Interactions: The Possible Role of Oxytocin |journal=Frontiers in Psychology |date=9 July 2012 |volume=3 |pages=234 |doi=10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00234 |pmid=22866043 |pmc=3408111 |doi-access=free }}

Therapy dogs promote greater self-esteem in students and encourage positive interactions with peers and teachers. Additionally, children with autism demonstrated increased verbal abilities and social interaction during therapy sessions when animals were present compared to traditional therapy sessions without them.

There are some concerns with using therapy dogs with children and adults in various public facilities. Some include hygiene, allergies, cross-cultural expectations, safety of participants, animal welfare, and lack of consistent training or certification process and liability.{{cite journal |last1=Foreman |first1=Anne |last2=Glenn |first2=Margaret |last3=Meade |first3=B. |last4=Wirth |first4=Oliver |title=Dogs in the Workplace: A Review of the Benefits and Potential Challenges |journal=International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health |date=8 May 2017 |volume=14 |issue=5 |pages=498 |doi=10.3390/ijerph14050498 |pmid=28481317 |pmc=5451949 |doi-access=free }} AAI (animal-assisted interventions) and AAA (animal-assisted activities) are facilitated by human/dog teams with extensive therapy dog training and have obtained behavioral and health evaluations. They follow guidelines for cleanliness (bathing and brushing dogs before sessions, keeping vaccinations up to date, trimming nails, human hand washing before and after visits) to alleviate most hygiene concerns.White, J. (2015, March 5). [http://www.healthcarebusinesstech.com/animal-visits-hospitals/ New guidance for animals, pet therapy in hospitals] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411073014/http://www.healthcarebusinesstech.com/animal-visits-hospitals/ |date=2021-04-11 }}. In all of these locations, patrons, students or patients are often required to take responsibility for their interactions with dogs in the form of a liability release or parental permission form. Advance considerations of the responsibilities of handlers and the institution or organization include insurance and background checks to address liability.{{cite journal |last1=Marrall |first1=Rebecca M. |last2=Trott |first2=Barry |title=Assistance Animals in the Library How One Academic Library Developed Best Practices |journal=Reference & User Services Quarterly |date=2016 |volume=56 |issue=1 |pages=8–13 |doi=10.5860/rusq.56n1.8 |jstor=90009877 |doi-access=free }} Insurance claims against trained dog teams are rare, however, costs can be high if specialist insurance is not in place.{{Cite web |date=2014-12-22 |title=Dog Therapy 101 |url=https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2014/12/22/dog-therapy-101/ |website=American Libraries Magazine |language=en-US |access-date=2022-07-11 |archive-date=2021-05-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210530053944/https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2014/12/22/dog-therapy-101/ |url-status=live }} Since therapy dog interaction is an optional activity, those with allergies, those who develop anxiety when near dogs, or those with general opposition to the program need not participate.

While there is no nationwide standard for certification or registration of ESAs, many online agencies claim to "register" an animal as an ESA for a fee.{{Cite journal |last1=Schoenfeld-Tacher |first1=Regina |last2=Hellyer |first2=Peter |last3=Cheung |first3=Louana |last4=Kogan |first4=Lori |date=2017-06-15 |title=Public Perceptions of Service Dogs, Emotional Support Dogs, and Therapy Dogs |journal=International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health |language=en |volume=14 |issue=6 |pages=642 |doi=10.3390/ijerph14060642 |issn=1660-4601 |pmc=5486328 |pmid=28617350|doi-access=free }} The qualifications are not strict which may raise concern. There have been countless incidents of people misusing confusing restrictions, given the sometimes overlapping terminology and recent emergence of service dogs and ESAs. To combat the issue of fraud, numerous states are enacting new regulations, the majority of which are centered on service animals. Some states have more specific laws that focus on exact situations, while other's are more general.

• Animal-assisted therapy
• Postponement of affect
• Service animal
• Service dog
• Therapy cat
• School dog

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category|Therapy dogs}}

• [https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-assistance-animal-laws Assistance Animal State Laws] - Michigan State University
• [https://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures Disabilities and Medical Conditions] - TSA (Transport Security Administration)
• [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/279612967_Construct_Validity_of_AnimalAssisted_Therapy_and_Activities_How_Important_Is_the_Animal_in_AAT Development & Validation of a Research Instrument to Assess the Effectiveness of Animal-Assisted Therapy]
• [https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/news/dog-kept-sane-9-11-redefined-therapy-dogs/ ‘My Dog Kept Me Sane’: How 9/11 Redefined Therapy Dogs]

{{Domestic dog}}

{{Working animals}}

Category:Working dogs

Dog