Pets are an amazing source of affection to those around them and it shows in the amount of people who have animals as pets today. Many individuals invest considerable resources, both financial and emotional in their pets and believe them to be important family members.

Visiting with animals can facilitate some individuals to feel less lonely and help to decrease depression. Animals can provide a welcome change from routines and people tend to be more active and receptive while or after visiting with them. Animals also help to reduce blood pressure and anxiety due to their calm carefree attitudes and also the stroking of their fur helps to relax and sooth individuals.

Companion animals are being implemented into different therapeutic routines and treatments of a variety of health care facilities such as, nursing homes, rehabilitation programs, hospitals, psychiatric institutions and many others. Many individuals, including young and old, invest significant emotions into these lovable creatures, which can help to create a great environment that is mutually beneficial for everyone.

Pet therapy is described as the therapeutic use of pets as companions for a wide-variety of patients and people, be it the mentally ill, the elderly or disabled children. “Research supports the concept that pets truly have the power to assist with healing through companionship. Patient’s visited by pets, whether their own or those brought in by certified pet owners, experience diminished emotional and physical pain, decreased anxiety, and overall happiness” (Arizona Nurse, 2007, p. 1). Pets provide a sense of comfort and calm for most people in contrast to humans, whose interactions are sometimes thought to be complex and unpredictable.

Animals are usually extremely carefree and affectionate, with their only concern being getting fed, having someone to take them out for walks and getting love and warmth from their owners/care takers. It is easy to see why people would want these loveable, friendly creatures as sources of therapy for elderly people, children and general society. Although it is hard to see the negatives in this form of therapy, there are people who are skeptical and these issues also need to be considered and addressed. Overall, pet therapy seems to be a great form of love, healing and treatment for people who like animals and who are in need of some straightforward, uncomplicated love.