Animals that teach and heal: how integrating animal-assisted interventions in education and healthcare enhances quality of life

Animals that teach and heal: how integrating animal-assisted interventions in education and healthcare enhances quality of life | Photo: Jamie Street

The relationship between humans and animals runs through history as a cultural, health and educational constant. Today, that ancestral intuition has evolved into a structured discipline with defined methodology and standards: animal-assisted interventions (AAI). These include therapy, education and activities with measurable objectives and safeguards for animal welfare. Far from being a mere pleasant idea or a form of entertainment, growing evidence points to measurable benefits in mental health, stress management, literacy and social participation, provided that such interventions are properly implemented.

The physiological basis is well documented: controlled contact with animals can modulate the stress response (HPA axis), encourage pro-social behaviour and reduce indicators of anxiety. Yet beyond mechanisms, the real-world outcomes are decisive. A 2025 randomised clinical trial in a paediatric emergency department found that the presence of a therapy dog, as an adjunct to standard care, reduced anxiety as reported by both children and their parents. In emotionally demanding medical settings, such a difference matters for patient experience and cooperation.

Among older adults with dementia, meta-analyses and clinical trials report reductions in agitation and depressive symptoms, with well-designed programmes improving behaviour, quality of life and participation. While researchers continue to call for more longitudinal studies, the risk-benefit balance remains positive when teams are trained and animal welfare is prioritised.

In education, reading-with-dogs schemes and other AAIs have shown gains in motivation, sustained attention and, in some designs, reading fluency and comprehension, along with improved classroom climate and self-regulation. Reviews highlight heterogeneous evidence, as is common in psychosocial interventions, yet point to consistent benefits when goals are clearly defined and evaluation is rigorous. For learners with special educational needs, the relational and non-judgemental nature of animals supports engagement and emotional safety.

In developmental disorders, particularly autism spectrum conditions, AAI can reduce stress and facilitate social communication within therapeutic environments. Specialists emphasise careful design, session frequency, type of activity, profile of both animal and human professional, and, above all, safeguarding animal welfare. The wellbeing of the animal is not a secondary concern: human benefits are best sustained when the animal is calm, predictable and content with its work.

Healthcare systems have also found value in animal-assisted therapy within rehabilitation and community mental health. Reviews describe improvements in symptoms and social functioning when AAIs are integrated into multidisciplinary teams. These are not substitutes for standard treatments but complementary strategies that strengthen motivation and therapeutic alliance. Integration, rather than improvisation, is key: hygiene, consent, risk screening and species suitability are fundamental.

Some academics have rightly raised cautionary points about allergies, phobias, hygiene and attachment issues, especially in schools. Their observations have helped shape stricter policies on risk assessment and animal welfare standards, including options for virtual sessions where necessary. The field has responded by adopting international guidelines prioritising safety, consent and animal wellbeing.

In short, integrating animals into education and healthcare brings measurable value when three conditions are met: purpose, professionalism and protection. Purpose means setting specific, measurable goals, reducing procedural anxiety, improving adherence, enhancing reading motivation or executive functions. Professionalism demands trained teams, safety standards, risk evaluation and veterinary oversight. Protection requires monitoring stress signals, providing rest, limiting work hours and ensuring the animal’s comfort. When these elements align, AAIs become not decorative but transformative, humanising services and expanding the educator’s and clinician’s toolkit.

non-governmental organisations supporting the model

International Association of Human–Animal Interaction Organisations (IAHAIO) – Publishes global definitions, white papers and ethical standards for AAI.

Animal Assisted Intervention International (AAII) – Sets global professional standards and competencies; Dogs for Good is a founding member applying these in schools and communities.

Pet Partners – US-based NGO with thousands of registered human–animal teams visiting hospitals, schools and care homes, leading in multi-species training and registration.

Alliance of Therapy Dogs and Therapy Dogs International – Certify and register therapy dog teams volunteering across hospitals, educational centres and crisis contexts.

Dogs for Good (UK) – Foundation delivering assistance dogs and educational programmes; provides guidelines for safe, welfare-centred integration of dogs in schools.

Fundación Affinity (Spain) – Pioneer in animal-assisted therapy since 1992, active in hospitals, mental health, elder care and education, publishing research and practical materials.

Perros y Letras – R.E.A.D.® España – Spanish branch of the international reading-with-dogs programme, operating in schools and libraries with public support.

TACOP – Terapia Asistida con Perros (Argentina) – NGO with over 30 years’ experience in therapeutic intervention, certification, research and training.

Ohlone Humane Society (USA) – Provides therapy-animal programmes in care homes, hospitals, schools and crisis centres, integrating evidence-based benefits.

implementing or evaluating programmes

For those proposing AAIs in hospitals, schools or care homes, international standards and recent research provide a solid foundation. The paediatric emergency trial, along with evidence in dementia, autism and education, supports pilot projects with measurable outcomes and welfare protocols. Start with clear objectives, reduced anxiety, increased engagement, absence of adverse events, and collaborate only with certified organisations. In doing so, one builds a bridge between compassion and science, reaffirming that the bond between humans and animals remains one of the most humane tools for healing and learning.