

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that develops after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It can affect both children and adults. Events that may lead to PTSD include:
PTSD often causes intrusive memories, avoidance, mood changes, and shifts in physical and emotional responses. These symptoms can severely impact daily life, making it difficult to carry out even routine activities.
In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between animal-assisted interventions (AAI) and PTSD. While PTSD is frequently discussed in the context of combat veterans, it can occur in many populations. Research has shown that AAI, particularly with service dogs and therapy animals, can help people manage PTSD symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Service dogs can offer significant support to individuals with PTSD. These psychiatric service animals are specifically trained to help people with mental health conditions by performing tasks that can ease PTSD symptoms. Common tasks include:
Studies, including a pilot study by the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), reveal the positive effects of service dogs on veterans with PTSD. Compared to veterans without service dogs, those with service animals reported:
While service dogs provide substantial support, they are not accessible to everyone due to high demand, training time (up to two years), and training costs (between $20,000 and $30,000 per dog). As a result, alternative options like animal-assisted interventions (AAI) offer short-term benefits through therapy animals.
Therapy animals, often accompanied by trained volunteers, can support individuals with PTSD in various settings. They might attend therapy sessions, visit doctor’s offices, support foster care programs, or provide comfort in assisted living facilities. Dr. Marguerite O’Haire’s literature review highlights the benefits of AAI for PTSD, including:
Evidence suggests that therapy animals, such as those registered by Pet Partners, can effectively support individuals with PTSD through these interactions.
Pet Partners offers several resources to support the integration of AAI into PTSD treatment plans:
For facilities interested in PTSD support through therapy animal visits, we encourage you to post a volunteer opportunity.
While Pet Partners promotes AAI in PTSD treatment, it is often most effective as part of a holistic approach. Here are additional resources for understanding and addressing PTSD: