National Therapy Animal Day April 30th

24 April 2025

^{We all know that animals can be fun and cute, but did you know that animals can be amazing helpers when it comes to our emotional wellbeing? On National Therapy Animal Day, we celebrate all the wonderful animals who work alongside therapists to help people feel better}

^{The history of National Therapy Animal Day}

^{National Therapy Animal Day was created by Pet Partners, an organisation specialising in therapy animals who promote the benefits of animal therapy, activities and education.}

^{Did you know animal therapy can be traced all the way back to Ancient Greece?}

^{The first official research on animal therapy began in the 1960s when Dr Boris Levinson found that his dog (Jingles) had a positive impact on a child he was working with.}

^{Tell me more about animal therapy?}

^{Therapy animals are specially trained to comfort and support people who might be feeling stressed, sad, or even lonely. Some even help people with physical health problems. These furry friends can be dogs, cats, rabbits and horses, each with their own special way of making people smile. When you cuddle or pet a therapy animal, your brain releases happy chemicals, like serotonin, which can help you feel more relaxed and less anxious.}

^{What about my pet?}

^{Have you ever had a bad day and just wanted to hug your pet? Just having their presence makes everything feel a little easier. Whether it is reading to a dog or sampling having a pet to pet, animals can help us to feel more connected and calmer.}

^{So, on National Therapy Animal Day, think about your own pets or animals you know. Maybe they’ve made you laugh, given you comfort, or helped you feel safe. Animals are incredible when it comes to emotional wellbeing, they remind us that sometimes all we need is a little love and a wagging tail to make everything feel okay.}

^{Take a moment to appreciate the therapy animals around you – including your pets! In fact, why don’t we introduce you to the Wiltshire Children and Young People Emotional Wellbeing Team’s pets…}