therapy animal

[ ther-uh-pee an-uh-muhl ]

noun

1. an animal trained to play a role in a physical or emotional therapeutic treatment plan, as a horse helping a rider develop muscle tone or a dog providing cognitive engagement for nursing home residents.

Word History and Origins

Origin of therapy animal¹

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

As long as the goal is to be mindful, observant, and surrounded by nature, anything, from taking a walk in the park to snuggling with a therapy animal, or even filling indoor spaces with more plants, qualifies.

From Popular-Science

The baby seal was designed to calm and comfort patients in hospitals and nursing rooms — essentially a way to bring the benefits of therapy animals without having to have actual animals involved.

From TechCrunch

They appear at festivals and weddings and have even been deployed as therapy animals.

From Popular-Science