What is a therapy animal?

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Many people confuse Therapy Animals with Service Dogs or emotional support animals. A therapy animal is an animal that has been screened for his or her ability to interact favorably with humans and other animals. A therapy animal can provide affection and comfort to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, rehabilitation centers and to people with learning difficulties. Please note that our residents will never be forced to do anything. They will be allowed to choose to cuddle, play, nap or do whatever they like. This is their sanctuary, and they are free to be as social as they like. However, due to their constant socialization and love, we feel strongly that our goats will want to cuddle with you and share the healing power of love.

Benefits of Animal Therapy

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For mental health
  • Decreases isolation and depression
  • Causes many to feel calm
  • Bridges communication gaps
  • Provides comfort
  • Reduces boredom
  • Lowers anxiety and decreases agitation
  • Creates motivation for the client to recover faster
  • Reduces loneliness
  • Diminishes emotional pain in seniors

For physical health
  • The act of petting produces an automatic relaxation response
  • Stabilizes blood pressure
  • Reduces the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, & stroke
  • Improves cardiovascular health
  • Breathing slows in those who are anxious
  • Releases many hormones such as Phenyl ethylamine which has the same effect as chocolate
  • Diminishes overall physical pain

Anyone can benefit
  • Increases socialization /encourages communication
  • Helps person focus
  • Can bring person back to the present
  • Inner contentment may not be verbally expressed but can be seen in better eating, better sleeping and greater cooperation
  • Maintain & increase motor skills
  • Increase movement in joints & recover faster
  • Provides motivation to move more, stretch further,and exercise longer

Links to articles: (this will be updated shortly)
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We are excited to have a LSW working with us to help educate and help us provide the best experience for our goats and human visitors alike!