Therapy Activities

Petting & Bonding

The foundational activity of pet therapy. Extended, calm physical contact with a therapy animal activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing heart rate and cortisol. Suitable for virtually all populations and settings, including hospice and dementia care.

Guided Walking

Walking with a therapy animal combines gentle physical movement, outdoor exposure, and animal connection. Particularly effective for depression, anxiety, and social engagement for individuals on the autism spectrum or in senior care.

Obstacle Courses

Specially designed animal-guided obstacle activities build confidence, focus, and a sense of accomplishment. Used frequently in autism spectrum programming, youth behavioral health, and school wellness — obstacle courses are both therapeutic and genuinely fun.

Reading Aloud

Reading to a therapy animal is a well-documented intervention for children with reading difficulties, social anxiety, or learning disabilities. Animals are patient, non-judgmental listeners — and their calm presence measurably reduces the performance anxiety that often accompanies reading for struggling or reluctant readers.

Guided Meditation & Mindfulness

Animal-assisted mindfulness sessions integrate the grounding physical presence of a therapy animal with breath awareness and guided meditation. Particularly effective for anxiety, PTSD, and stress management — and often far more accessible for individuals who find traditional, eyes-closed meditation difficult.

Structured Play & Interaction

Playful, structured activities with therapy animals build social skills, emotional regulation, turn-taking, and joy. A core component of youth-focused programs, autism sessions, and group therapy experiences.