The Human–Animal Bond: Exploring the Role of Therapy Dogs in Wellbeing

leigh milne
Mar 9, 2025
3 min read

Quantum Couple & Wellness Blog

By Leigh Milne, Registered Psychologist, Couples Therapist, Trauma Therapist & Psychosomatic Therapist

As part of the Quantum Couple & Wellness Podcast, I recently had the opportunity to speak with Sam King, who works in the area of animal-assisted support and therapy dog programs.

Our conversation explored the unique relationship between humans and dogs, the growing interest in animal-assisted interventions, and the ways therapy dogs may contribute to emotional wellbeing, social connection, and nervous system regulation.

This article provides a summary of some of the key themes discussed during our conversation.

Understanding Therapy Dogs

Many people are familiar with companion animals and assistance dogs, but fewer understand the role of therapy dogs.

Therapy dogs are typically trained to work alongside healthcare, educational, community, or support professionals in settings such as:

hospitals
schools
aged care facilities
rehabilitation services
community programs
wellbeing programs

Unlike assistance dogs, which are trained to perform specific tasks for an individual, therapy dogs generally work with multiple people and are incorporated into structured programs or therapeutic environments.

Why People Respond to Dogs

Research has increasingly explored the relationship between human wellbeing and interactions with animals.

Many people report that spending time with dogs may contribute to:

feelings of comfort
social connection
emotional support
reduced feelings of loneliness
opportunities for engagement and activity

While individual experiences vary, researchers continue to investigate the role that animals may play in supporting psychological wellbeing and quality of life.

The Human–Animal Bond and Emotional Wellbeing

One of the themes discussed with Sam was the way dogs often provide a consistent and non-judgemental presence.

Many people describe dogs as:

accepting
predictable
emotionally responsive
comforting companions

For some individuals, this can create opportunities for emotional connection, particularly during times of stress or isolation.

Therapy Dogs and Nervous System Regulation

As a psychologist with an interest in trauma-informed practice and nervous system regulation, I am particularly interested in the ways people experience safety and connection.

Some individuals report that interacting with calm, well-trained dogs may support:

relaxation
grounding
present-moment awareness
emotional regulation

Activities such as patting a dog, observing their behaviour, or simply sitting quietly with an animal may encourage people to slow down and become more aware of their surroundings and bodily sensations.

It is important to note that experiences vary and therapy dogs are not a substitute for psychological or medical treatment.

Animal-Assisted Interventions in Different Settings

Animal-assisted programs have been introduced in a variety of environments.

Examples include:

Healthcare Settings

Some hospitals and healthcare services incorporate therapy dogs as part of patient wellbeing initiatives.

Educational Settings

Therapy dogs may be present in schools to support engagement, social interaction, or reading programs.

Community and Wellbeing Programs

Some organisations utilise therapy dogs in programs focused on social connection, wellbeing, and community participation.

Aged Care Services

Animal-assisted programs may support engagement, companionship, and quality of life for some older adults.

Individual Experiences

During our conversation, Sam shared examples of individuals who had experienced meaningful connections with therapy dogs.

While personal stories can be powerful, it is important to recognise that individual experiences do not necessarily predict outcomes for others.

Responses to therapy dogs vary depending on personal preferences, life experiences, health conditions, and individual circumstances.

The Importance of Connection

One of the key themes that emerged from our discussion was the importance of connection.

Whether that connection occurs through relationships with people, animals, communities, or meaningful activities, connection is often considered an important contributor to wellbeing.

For some people, animals may provide opportunities for:

companionship
routine
responsibility
comfort
social interaction

These experiences may complement broader wellbeing and support strategies.

Considering a Therapy Dog Program

If you are interested in learning more about therapy dogs or animal-assisted programs, it may be helpful to:

research reputable organisations
seek information from qualified providers
understand the difference between therapy dogs and assistance dogs
discuss your circumstances with relevant health professionals where appropriate

A Balanced Perspective

Animals can play an important role in many people's lives.

However, therapy dogs should be viewed as one potential component of broader wellbeing and support strategies rather than as a replacement for healthcare, psychological treatment, or professional support.