Pet Therapy at Banyan Treatment Centers

Pets have been part of our households for centuries, staying by our side through it all. There are many noted benefits of having pets in the home, including improvement in mental health. In fact, 74% of pet owners report mental health improvements from having a pet in the home1. We know that pets make wonderful companions and bring mental health benefits, which is why pet therapy programs for addiction treatment are growing in popularity. Our nationwide drug and alcohol detox programs and addiction treatment facilities incorporate many therapies, with some locations offering pet therapy programs.

pet therapy at banyan

What Is Pet Therapy?

Also known as animal-assisted therapy, pet therapy is a therapeutic approach where patients interact with pets such as cats, dogs, or even horses in a controlled setting. Patients usually pet the animals. They might play with the animals or simply spend time in a room or space where animals are present. In equine-assisted treatment, a subset of animal-assisted therapy, patients spend time caring for horses.

Other common examples of therapy animals include:

  • Dogs (most commonly used therapy animals)
  • Cats
  • Birds (such as parrots and canaries)
  • Rabbits
  • Guinea pigs
  • Dolphins (used in aquatic therapy)
  • Miniature pigs
  • Alpacas and llamas
  • Turtles and tortoises
  • Miniature horses
  • Goats
  • Chickens and roosters
  • Pot-bellied pigs
  • Ferrets

There are less traditional options, including turtles, tortoises, miniature horses, and even dolphins, in aquatic therapy in addition to these regularly employed therapy animals. Each of these animals contributes special features and advantages to the therapeutic setting, meeting the varied requirements and preferences of those seeking this kind of care. The range of therapy animals on hand enables a personalized approach to healing and mental well-being, whether it's the calming impact of a horse, the fun engagement with a dog, or the comforting presence of a cat.

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Pet Therapy Benefits

Whether utilizing pet therapy dogs or other animals, there are numerous benefits to seeking pet therapy for addiction treatment.

By participating in pet therapy programs, patients can enjoy benefits such as:

  • Reduced anxiety
  • Better control of emotions
  • Improved emotional comfort
  • Lessening feelings of isolation or loneliness

The above benefits show how pets are able to respond to humans in healing ways, especially with nonverbal support to subtle emotional cues2. Pet therapy can also help those struggling with mental health disorders improve their social skills, making it easier to socialize with others.3

Pet therapy can help treat:

  • Social anxiety
  • Depression
  • PTSD
  • Alcoholism
  • Addiction
  • Anxiety

In a drug addiction treatment center setting, pet therapy benefits include better overall mental health through support and companionship. We often offer pet therapy in conjunction with other programs at our mental health treatment facility, such as group or individual therapy. Pet therapy is one component of successful drug treatment.

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How Does Animal Therapy Affect the Brain?

The brain has been demonstrated to be significantly affected by animal therapy. Interacting with animals, particularly in a therapeutic setting, causes a variety of neurobiological reactions that enhance mental health. One of the main methods involves the release of oxytocin, sometimes known as the "love hormone" or "bonding hormone." The brain releases oxytocin when people interact with animals, especially when they pet, groom, or are just in the presence of them. This hormone is linked to feelings of social connection, trust, and lower levels of stress. As a result, it fosters a feeling of warmth and connection, which can be especially helpful for people who are dealing with anxiety, sadness, or trauma.

Additionally, animal-assisted therapy promotes the synthesis of dopamine and serotonin, two neurotransmitters important for controlling mood and pleasure. Dopamine is released when individuals have enjoyable encounters with animals, which causes feelings of pleasure and contentment. Dopamine is frequently associated with rewarding and pleasurable feelings. Animal therapy also benefits serotonin, a chemical that controls mood and fosters emotions of well-being. Regular interaction with animals has been demonstrated to raise serotonin levels, which may lessen the signs of anxiety and sadness.

Animal therapy also has the ability to relax the nervous system. Heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels can all be lowered by the soothing presence of a therapy animal or the rhythmic petting of an animal. This physiological reaction promotes a setting that is supportive of emotional control and relaxation. Overall, the synergistic impact of these neurobiological factors makes animal therapy a potent tool for improving mental and emotional wellness.

Finding Pet Therapy Programs

There are numerous pet therapy programs available, but for treating substance use, it’s important to find a program that specifically addresses the challenges of addiction. We offer personalized pet therapy programs for addiction at a number of our Banyan rehab locations, helping patients heal and work towards sobriety.

Contact our team or call us at (855) 908-0663 to learn more about pet therapy and our additional approaches to drug and alcohol recovery at Banyan Treatment Centers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1How effective is pet therapy?
Pet therapy, also known as animal-assisted therapy (AAT), is highly effective in promoting emotional and physical well-being. Studies show that interaction with therapy animals can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while improving mood and social engagement. At Banyan Treatment Centers, we incorporate animal-assisted therapy to help clients build trust, enhance communication skills, and foster a sense of calm, contributing significantly to their overall recovery journey.
2What types of animals are used in Animal-Assisted Therapy?
Various animals can be used in animal-assisted therapy, depending on the goals of the intervention. Common choices include dogs, cats, horses, and even smaller animals like rabbits and birds. Each animal is carefully selected and trained to ensure they meet the therapeutic needs of clients. Banyan Treatment Centers partners with trusted animal-assisted therapists to provide safe and effective therapy experiences.
3Is owning a pet the same as AAT?
While owning a pet offers many emotional and physical benefits, it is not the same as animal-assisted therapy (AAT). AAT is a structured and goal-oriented intervention conducted by trained professionals to address specific therapeutic objectives. Banyan Treatment Centers collaborates with certified animal-assisted psychotherapists to guide these sessions and provide targeted support tailored to each individual's recovery.
4What precautions should be taken for animal-assisted therapy?
Precautions in animal-assisted therapy are vital to ensure the safety and well-being of both clients and therapy animals. Key considerations include proper training and certification for therapy animals, assessing any allergies or fears in participants, and maintaining a controlled environment. At Banyan Treatment Centers, we follow strict guidelines to ensure every animal-assisted intervention is conducted in a safe, supportive, and effective manner.
5Is animal-assisted therapy covered by insurance?
Coverage for animal-assisted therapy varies depending on the insurance provider and plan. While not all insurance policies explicitly cover AAT, it may be included as part of a broader mental health or behavioral therapy package. At Banyan Treatment Centers, our admissions team is happy to help you explore whether insurance covers animal-assisted therapy for your treatment needs. For more information, search for animal-assisted therapy near me or contact us directly.
6How do I find animal-assisted therapy near me?
Finding animal-assisted therapy (AAT) near you begins with identifying trusted providers who specialize in incorporating therapy animals into mental health or addiction treatment programs. At Banyan Treatment Centers, we offer animal-assisted interventions as part of our holistic approach to care, integrating the proven benefits of therapy animals into personalized treatment plans.

To locate animal-assisted therapy services in your area:

- Search Online: Use terms like “animal-assisted therapy near me”, “animal-assisted therapist near me”, or event "pet-therapy" to find local providers. Look for accredited organizations or treatment centers like Banyan that offer structured AAT programs.

- Consult Banyan Treatment Centers: Contact us directly to learn more about our animal-assisted therapy offerings and how they can support your recovery journey. Our team is happy to guide you through the admissions process and answer any questions about incorporating AAT into your treatment.

- Check Insurance Coverage: If you're wondering “Does insurance cover animal-assisted therapy?”, our team can also assist you in determining whether your plan includes this type of care and how it can be integrated into your treatment.

By choosing Banyan Treatment Centers, you’ll have access to compassionate, professional care that utilizes the healing power of animals to promote emotional and physical well-being. Reach out today to learn more about our programs or to find animal-assisted therapy options near you.

Available at the following locations

Banyan Stuart
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Inpatient Substance Use Disorder

Banyan Stuart

201 SE Osceola St,
Stuart, FL 34994

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Delaware
Banyan Delaware

Inpatient & Outpatient SUD

Banyan Delaware

21 W Clarke Ave Suite 4001
Milford, DE 19963

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