80+ Therapy Animal Quotes: Pets Healing Humans
Or that as little as 15 minutes of bonding with a therapy animal can reduce stress hormones by up to 50%? The healing power of animals was recognized since ancient times, but modern science now confirms what many intuitively knew: animals possess an exceptional ability to soothe, heal, and support human well-being. From anxiety and depression to the companionship of elderly people, therapy animals have become a new ray of hope for health centers around the world.
In the set below, we have brought together 85 motivational quotes about therapy animals, their amazing impact on human health, and the special bond between healing pets and their assisted human partners. These quotes represent some of the thoughts and comments of healthcare professionals, animal behaviorists, patients, and activists who have experienced the transformative power of animal-assisted therapy.
The Healing Power of Animals
- “Animals are such agreeable friends – they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms.” – George Eliot
- “The best therapist has fur and four legs.” – Unknown
- “Sometimes the best medicine doesn’t come in a pill but in a wagging tail.” – Dr. Temple Grandin
- “An animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language.” – Martin Buber
- “The therapeutic value of animals cannot be measured in traditional medical terms.” – Dr. Boris Levinson
These opening quotes highlight the unique healing qualities that animals bring to therapeutic settings.
Emotional Support and Comfort
- “Therapy dogs remind us that unconditional love has four paws.” – Jane Goodall
- “The presence of a therapy animal can lower blood pressure better than any medication.” – Dr. Alan Beck
- “Animals don’t judge – they just love.” – Dr. Marty Becker
- “A therapy animal offers something no human can: silent understanding.” – Dr. Susan Lynch
- “The most powerful healing touch comes with a purr or a wagging tail.” – Elizabeth Teal
These quotes emphasize the unique emotional support that therapy animals provide.
Scientific Evidence of Animal Therapy
- “Research shows that therapy animals reduce stress hormones and increase healing hormones.” – Dr. Edward Creagan
- “Animal-assisted therapy isn’t just feel-good medicine – it’s evidence-based healing.” – Dr. Ann Berger
- “The physiological benefits of animal interaction are measurable and significant.” – Dr. Sandra Barker
- “Therapy animals can achieve what sometimes medicine alone cannot.” – Dr. Michael McCulloch
- “The science behind animal therapy is as solid as the comfort they provide.” – Dr. Aubrey Fine
These quotes highlight the scientific validation of animal-assisted therapy.
Therapy Dogs Specifically
- “A therapy dog’s purpose is to lift spirits and heal hearts.” – Roger Caras
- “Dogs don’t need words to understand human pain.” – Dr. Caroline Kramer
- “Therapy dogs bring light to the darkest hospital rooms.” – Patricia McConnell
- “The gentle presence of a therapy dog can accomplish more than hours of traditional therapy.” – Stanley Coren
- “Dogs have a way of finding the people who need them.” – Thom Jones
The special role of dogs in therapeutic settings is highlighted in these quotes.
Children and Animal Therapy
- “Children often tell their secrets to therapy animals before they tell them to adults.” – Dr. Rise VanFleet
- “A child’s healing often begins with a therapy animal’s friendship.” – Dr. Gail Melson
- “Therapy animals help children find their voice.” – Dr. Aubrey Fine
- “The connection between a child and a therapy animal is pure magic.” – Mary Lou Randour
- “Animals teach children empathy in ways humans cannot.” – Dr. Nancy Parish-Plass
The unique benefits of animal therapy for children are reflected in these quotes.
Hospital and Healthcare Settings
- “Therapy animals transform hospital corridors into paths of healing.” – Dr. David Williams
- “In healthcare settings, a wagging tail can be the best medicine.” – Florence Nightingale
- “Therapy animals bring normalcy to abnormal situations.” – Dr. Rebecca Johnson
- “The presence of an animal can turn a hospital room into a healing space.” – Dr. Lynette Hart
- “Therapy animals help patients forget they’re patients.” – Dr. Ann Howie
These quotes demonstrate the impact of therapy animals in medical settings.
Elderly Care and Animal Therapy
- “Therapy animals bring youth to aging hearts.” – Dr. William Thomas
- “The elderly find renewed purpose in animal companionship.” – Dr. Leo Bustad
- “Memory care patients often remember therapy animals when they forget everything else.” – Dr. Alan Beck
- “Animal therapy gives seniors a reason to smile again.” – Dr. Karen Allen
- “The companionship of therapy animals fights senior loneliness better than any medication.” – Dr. Marian Banks
The special connection between seniors and therapy animals is highlighted in these quotes.
Mental Health Benefits
- “Therapy animals reach places in the heart that humans cannot access.” – Dr. Susan Cohen
- “Animal-assisted therapy breaks down the walls of depression.” – Dr. James Lynch
- “PTSD symptoms often ease in the presence of therapy animals.” – Dr. Meg Daley Olmert
- “Anxiety melts away under the gentle gaze of a therapy animal.” – Dr. Sandra Barker
- “The unconditional acceptance of a therapy animal heals emotional wounds.” – Dr. Phil Arkow
These quotes address the mental health benefits of animal therapy.
Various Therapy Animals
- “Horses heal through movement and connection.” – Temple Grandin
- “Therapy cats bring healing purrs to hurting hearts.” – Dr. Elizabeth Strand
- “Even small animals like rabbits can have huge therapeutic impact.” – Dr. Mary Burch
- “Therapy birds bring song and joy to silent rooms.” – Dr. Susan Friedman
- “Each species brings its own unique healing gifts.” – Dr. Marc Bekoff
Different types of therapy animals offer unique benefits.
Professional Perspectives
- “Animal-assisted therapy bridges the gap between traditional and holistic healing.” – Dr. Caroline Kramer
- “The integration of animals into therapy settings revolutionizes patient care.” – Dr. Leslie Stewart
- “Professional healthcare now recognizes what pet owners have always known.” – Dr. Michael Fox
- “Therapy animals are changing the face of modern medicine.” – Dr. Edward Creagan
- “The professionalization of animal therapy has validated its impact.” – Dr. Aubrey Fine
Healthcare professionals share their insights on animal therapy.
Animal-Human Bond
- “The healing bond between humans and animals transcends words.” – Dr. Bernie Siegel
- “Therapy animals remind us of our connection to all living beings.” – Jane Goodall
- “The human-animal bond is a key to emotional healing.” – Dr. Leo Bustad
- “Animals heal through pure presence and unconditional love.” – Dr. Susan Chernak McElroy
- “The therapeutic relationship with animals is uniquely powerful.” – Dr. Alan Beck
These quotes explore the special bond between humans and therapy animals.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
- “Therapy animals motivate patients to recover.” – Dr. Karen Allen
- “Physical therapy becomes joy with animal assistance.” – Dr. Nancy Parish-Plass
- “Animals inspire patients to push beyond their limitations.” – Dr. Melissa Hunt
- “Recovery feels less daunting with a therapy animal by your side.” – Dr. Rise VanFleet
- “Therapy animals turn rehabilitation into relationship.” – Dr. Samuel Ross
The role of animals in recovery and rehabilitation is highlighted.
Educational Settings
- “Therapy animals help students overcome learning barriers.” – Dr. Gail Melson
- “Reading to therapy dogs builds confidence and skills.” – Dr. Mary Renck Jalongo
- “Special education thrives with animal assistance.” – Dr. James Lynch
- “Therapy animals create safe spaces for learning.” – Dr. Nancy Gee
- “Animals teach lessons no textbook can contain.” – Dr. Patricia McConnell
The impact of therapy animals in educational settings is explored.
Stress Reduction
- “Therapy animals lower cortisol levels naturally.” – Dr. Sandra McCune
- “The stress-reducing power of animals is measurable.” – Dr. Erika Friedmann
- “Animal interaction calms the nervous system.” – Dr. Lynette Hart
- “Therapy animals bring peace to chaos.” – Dr. Stanley Coren
- “The gentle presence of animals soothes human stress.” – Dr. Aaron Katcher
These quotes focus on the stress-reducing benefits of animal therapy.
Future of Animal Therapy
- “The future of healthcare includes four-legged therapists.” – Dr. Edward Creagan
- “Animal therapy is evolving with scientific understanding.” – Dr. Aubrey Fine
- “Technology will never replace the healing touch of an animal.” – Dr. Marc Bekoff
- “The field of animal therapy is just beginning to realize its potential.” – Dr. Sandra Barker
- “Animal-assisted therapy will become standard medical practice.” – Dr. Ann Berger
Looking ahead at the future of animal therapy.
Personal Transformations
- “Therapy animals witness our healing journey without judgment.” – Dr. Susan Cohen
- “The presence of an animal can break through years of emotional barriers.” – Dr. Rise VanFleet
- “Animals help us reconnect with our authentic selves.” – Dr. Bernie Siegel
- “Therapy animals guide us back to wholeness.” – Dr. Allen Schoen
- “The healing journey is gentler with an animal guide.” – Dr. Susan Chernak McElroy
The transformative power of animal therapy is highlighted.
Universal Impact
- “Therapy animals speak the universal language of love.” – Dr. Leo Bustad
- “The healing power of animals knows no cultural bounds.” – Dr. Marc Bekoff
- “Every population can benefit from animal therapy.” – Dr. Nancy Parish-Plass
- “Therapy animals connect with humans at every life stage.” – Dr. Gail Melson
- “The magic of animal therapy touches all who experience it.” – Dr. Alan Beck
Conclusion
The impact of therapy animals on human health and well-being is just profound in these 85 quotes: everything from a decrease in stress and anxiety to unconditional love and support, so important in catalyzing recovery-just about everything from these marvelous creatures seems to make a statement that healing often comes in forms that science is really just beginning to grasp. Whether one is a health professional, a recipient of the many benefits of animal-assisted therapy, or someone interested in the healing power of human-animal bonds, these quotes remind us of the extraordinary capacity of animals to touch and transform human lives.
May these lessons inspire a deeper appreciation of therapy animals and the critical part they play in today’s healthcare. Also, give some consideration to how you might support animal therapy programs where you live, or to learning how these special animals might assist you or a loved one.
