Vicky Skinner is the owner of Animal Focused, an organisation offering canine assisted therapy, education and training across Northamptonshire with the help of therapy dog Hero. Here she outlines how therapy animals can improve our physical and mental wellbeing.

The benefits that pets can have on a person’s wellbeing are well documented; increased exercise and time outdoors, increased social interaction, reduced stress levels, heart rate and blood pressure all play a part in pets having a therapeutic impact. However, recent scientific studies have shown that as little as five minutes contact time with a dog results in the release of oxytocin, the hormone involved in bonding and linked to depression and anxiety, proving that short animal assisted therapy sessions can have highly beneficial effects.

Animal assisted therapy is more than physiological changes. Interactions with therapy animals allow new experiences, build positive relationships, encourage social interaction, reduce isolation, anxiety, irritability and depression thereby improving the overall mood.

There are also specific benefits for those with health conditions. For those suffering from dementia it can trigger memories from their past, encouraging communication and positive emotions. For individuals with movement difficulties, animal visits encourage gross motor skills such as stretching to stroke the animals, throwing a ball for a dog and in some instances accompanying the dog outside for a short walk.

Therapy dogs are also increasingly being used in schools to support children’s reading, focus and empathy. Therapy animals provide a nonjudgmental source of support, a calm, listening ear and a soothing presence, all of which can benefit learners. While the benefits of animal assisted therapy are significant, it is important that the therapy visit is planned with due consideration to both the welfare of the clients and of the therapy animals. Visits should be undertaken with animals which have passed temperament assessments, are appropriately insured and with a bio-security policy and risk assessment in place. Always use a reputable organisation which considers the needs of the animals throughout the session and is able to assess the behaviour of the animal to prevent them being overwhelmed, stressed or exhausted.

Animal Focused offers canine assisted therapy visits to care homes, schools and NHS venues while other animal species can also provide enrichment and therapeutic outcomes for the elderly. Within Northamptonshire these include alpaca visits from Easton Way Farm and exotic species and small mammals from Animals in Mind.

For further information visit www.animalfocused.co.uk or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.