The power of an assistance pet

Assistance pets give people with disabilities a chance, to be independent and live a full life.

Research shows that while assistance pets are primarily employed to help individuals facilitate physical tasks, they have a positive impact on psychological and social aspects, and boost vitality and quality of life. Assistance pets have been found to improve: physical health and management, family dynamics, stress, anxiety, and self-confidence, independence, and social well-being.

They are truly life-changing and life-saving. That is a sentiment echoed by families worldwide – and it is why awareness of assistance pets and their impact is so important. As is often the case, charities and their teams are the catalysts delivering such enabling services.

Between multiple trusts and not-for-profit organisations, New Zealanders are looked after with options to access the help they need in a way that suits best. Cost is always involved, sometimes becoming so large a hindrance that Kiwis are unable to afford it. If you are in the position to, donate and help make a difference.

For the majority, assistance dogs are the go-to, especially for those with disabilities which can make many daily tasks difficult. Specifically trained, dogs are incredible in supporting these needs. Most assistance dogs or pets will wear a recognisable collar or coat, which aids passers-by in identifying that the person is managing a condition, encouraging them to refrain judgment and offer understanding instead.

However, assistance pets are utilised in so many spaces nationwide, and often referred to in these instances as emotional support animals, the service sometimes called animal therapy. Libraries, hospitals, schools, community centres, and workplaces can all be home to animal therapy sessions. A trained handler will bring a therapy animal in to offer companionship and comfort.

A study on the benefits of animal-assisted therapy found that it provides medical and psychological assistance for patients undergoing serious medical or mental health issues. Stress, trauma, and uncertainty are common risk factors of such conditions, yet time spent with pets offers a welcome distraction, healing, and consolation. Feel-good hormones are sent to the brain, resulting in a magnitude of positivity on mental health, including less anxiety and loneliness.

Research further supports a correlation between therapy animals and positive heart health, with reductions in heart failure from patients who spent time with pets. Between cardiovascular benefits and stronger immune systems, patients can better manage their medical conditions. Assistance and therapy animals can also break down barriers between patients who find it hard to speak openly with their therapist or doctor.

For many with neurological disabilities, animal therapy is seen to be one of the greatest catalysts in skills improvement. Pets don’t judge, and are much easier to relate to, especially for those going through challenging times.

• Animals encourage spontaneous communication and the motivation to try for neurodivergent children in speech or social therapy sessions.
• Assistance pets can be anything from cats and dogs to guinea pigs, horses, and birds.

Cuddling pets releases feel-good hormones and neurotransmitters such as dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin. So how does that help people heal?

• Dopamine: encourages feelings of pleasure, bonding, satisfaction, and motivation.
• Oxytocin: associated with feeling safe and building trust, while lowering blood pressure and the production of cortisol. Oxytocin also increases the pain threshold, according to research, which boosts motivation in physiological sessions and the speed of healing.
• Serotonin: boosts mood, to increase feelings of whole wellbeing and happiness, and reduce depression.