6 Mental Health Benefits of Pet Therapy in Australia

Mental health continues to be a growing concern in Australia. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, approximately 26% of Australians aged 15 and over were estimated to have a mental illness during the collection period from January 2022 to April 2023. While traditional treatments like therapy and medication remain essential, many people are also turning to natural and complementary approaches to support their wellbeing.

One of these approaches is animal-assisted therapy (AAT), also known as pet therapy for mental health. This form of therapy involves guided interactions between a person and a trained animal, facilitated by a qualified therapist or health professional.

And no—it’s not just about cuddling puppies (though that helps). Pet therapy is a structured, evidence-based treatment that supports emotional healing through the comfort, presence, and connection animals provide.

Let’s take a closer look at six science-supported ways it helps.

6 mental health benefits of pet therapy

Animal-assisted therapy offers more than feel-good moments—it provides measurable, positive impacts on mental wellbeing. Here are six ways pet therapy supports emotional and psychological health, backed by evidence and real-world outcomes.

1. Reduces stress and cortisol levels

Spending time with therapy animals can lower the body’s stress response. This includes a drop in cortisol, the hormone commonly linked to anxiety and pressure. People often feel calmer simply by sitting beside or gently interacting with an animal.

A recent study found that animal-assisted interventions helped reduce salivary cortisol levels while also improving emotional wellbeing. Participants reported feeling more relaxed and emotionally supported after these sessions.

This physiological response often includes a slower heart rate and reduced blood pressure. The calming presence of a trained dog, cat, or even a rabbit can help ground a person during moments of tension or emotional overwhelm.

It’s not just about temporary relief. Regular interaction with therapy animals can contribute to long-term stress reduction and emotional regulation.

2. Eases anxiety and panic symptoms

Therapy animals offer a grounding effect during anxious moments. Whether it’s through touch, presence, or gentle focus, interacting with animals can help regulate emotions and restore a sense of calm.

According to a study, participants who engaged in pet-assisted therapy reported a significant drop in anxiety just 20 minutes into the session, with levels continuing to improve throughout.

Some key ways pet therapy supports anxiety relief include:

• Providing a physical and emotional anchor during panic or distress

• Encouraging deep breathing and calming sensory input

• Reducing avoidance behaviours through gentle, non-verbal connection

For those experiencing social anxiety, therapy animals also act as a social bridge. Their presence can make it easier to initiate conversations and feel more at ease in group settings.

Children and teens, in particular, tend to form strong bonds, allowing for more open emotional expression.

Wondering how natural therapies like massage impact more than just skin conditions? See how they can also support emotional wellbeing in our guide on the cost of mental health in Australia.

3. Improves mood and emotional wellbeing

Spending time with animals can trigger the release of feel-good chemicals in the brain, including dopamine and serotonin. These neurotransmitters play a key role in stabilising mood, increasing motivation, and reducing emotional fatigue.

Animal-assisted therapy has shown particular benefits for people experiencing depression. The comfort, routine, and connection that therapy animals offer can help interrupt cycles of low mood and social withdrawal. Even short sessions have been reported to lift energy and promote more positive emotional states.

In New South Wales, therapy dogs have been introduced in several aged care facilities to support residents dealing with depression and loneliness. Staff have observed that regular visits improve social interaction, reduce agitation, and enhance overall wellbeing in residents who had become disengaged or withdrawn.

Animal interactions don’t replace clinical treatment, but they can be a valuable part of a broader mental health plan, especially when emotional connection is limited in other areas of life.

4. Encourages motivation and daily routine

Therapy animals can help individuals rebuild daily structure, especially in times of recovery or mental health decline. Their presence naturally encourages routines that support better emotional and physical wellbeing.

For people in rehabilitation or trauma recovery, the consistency of animal-assisted therapy provides a sense of purpose. Knowing that a therapy animal is part of the session can make it easier to engage in regular activities, even on difficult days.

This approach is particularly relevant in NDIS and disability support environments, where personalised therapy programs often include animal-assisted interventions as part of long-term care goals.

Benefits include:

• Encouraging consistent participation in therapy or daily tasks

• Fostering a sense of responsibility and follow-through

• Supporting habit-building that aligns with recovery milestones

• Offering emotional motivation when internal drive is low

Animal-assisted sessions not only provide comfort but also help re-establish the routines that support progress and independence over time.

5. Rebuilds social connections and trust

One of the most profound benefits of pet therapy is its ability to help rebuild trust, especially in individuals recovering from trauma. This includes people affected by PTSD, childhood abuse, or domestic violence, where human relationships may feel unsafe or overwhelming.

Therapy animals offer a non-threatening presence that allows individuals to form connections at their own pace. Unlike people, animals don’t judge, speak, or expect anything in return. This creates a safe emotional space where trust can begin to grow again.

Animal-assisted programs in Australia have been integrated into therapeutic settings for:

• Veterans living with PTSD

• Inmates participating in rehabilitation programs

• Children recovering from abuse or neglect

• Survivors of domestic violence

These programs help participants:

• Reconnect with empathy and emotional expression

• Build comfort with safe touch and interaction

• Experience companionship without emotional pressure

In these contexts, the bond with a therapy animal often becomes the first step in re-engaging with others.

Looking for other ways to support your mental health beyond massage? See how puzzles improve mental health in our guide.

6. Enhances mindfulness and present-moment awareness

The presence of therapy animals can naturally bring attention back to the present moment. Watching an animal breathe, move, or respond to touch gently encourages awareness without the need for formal instruction.

Many people find that animal-assisted sessions support mindfulness in a way that feels effortless. There’s no pressure to “clear your mind”—just an invitation to observe and connect.

Animal-assisted therapy pairs well with practices like:

• Breathwork and deep breathing

• Gentle yoga or stretching

• Guided meditation

• Grounding techniques in mental health support

For people who struggle with staying present due to anxiety, trauma, or racing thoughts, an animal’s calm, steady behaviour can be a powerful anchor. It helps slow down the mind and shift focus away from intrusive or overwhelming patterns.

Whether used alone or alongside other therapies, pet-assisted care can deepen awareness and emotional stability in meaningful ways.

Accessing pet therapy in Australia

Animal-assisted therapy is becoming more available across Australia, with a growing number of trained practitioners offering services in clinical, community, and home settings. These professionals work alongside animals that are specifically trained to support emotional and psychological wellbeing.

You can access pet therapy through several pathways, including:

• Referral from a GP under a Mental Health Treatment Plan

• Private sessions with certified animal-assisted therapists

• Support funded through the NDIS, depending on your plan goals

Common settings for pet therapy include:

• Aged care facilities and dementia support programs

• Primary and secondary schools

• Mental health clinics and hospitals

• Equine therapy centres offering nature-based support

When exploring options, always ensure the therapist is qualified and the animal is properly trained for therapeutic work.

Ready to explore pet therapy? Find certified animal therapists on Natural Therapy Pages.

Wrapping up

While pet therapy can offer many mental health benefits, it may not be suitable for everyone. A few factors should be considered before starting:

• Allergies or fear of animals may limit comfort or effectiveness, especially in enclosed therapy settings.

• Session environment matters. Some people may prefer group sessions, while others benefit more from private, one-on-one support.

• The therapist–animal partnership is professional. Unlike pet ownership, therapy animals are trained for structured interaction, and the experience is guided by a qualified practitioner.

• Safety and ethical standards are essential. Practitioners follow strict protocols to ensure both client and animal welfare.

Pet therapy is best used as a complement to existing treatment plans, not a replacement for clinical care. If you're working with a mental health professional, it’s worth discussing whether animal-assisted therapy could be added to your support plan.