comfort animal

American  

[kuhm-fert an-uh-muhl] / ˈkʌm fərt ˌæn ə məl /

noun

1. a therapy animal, usually a dog, that is specially trained to provide comforting companionship and an emotional release for victims of a crisis or disaster.

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Etymology

Origin of comfort animal

First recorded in 2010–15

Example Sentences

In her first four months of life, she has become a comfort animal — an “emotional support duck” — for McWilliams, who has been homeless on and off for half her life.

From New York Times • Sep. 8, 2022

In her first four months of life, she has become a comfort animal — an “emotional support duck” — for McWilliams, who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, depression and anxiety.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 22, 2022

A dog visited the hospital, a comfort animal.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2020

I’m sorry that people with actual service animals get skipped; but I don’t blame the drivers for not wanting to take the risk that it’s an untrained comfort animal or pet.

From New York Times • Nov. 22, 2017

I mean, she brought her comfort animal to the set with her.

From New York Times • May 23, 2017