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

“A therapy animal is an animal who’s been assessed based on their ability to meet new people and not just tolerate the interaction, but actively enjoy it,” said Taylor Chastain Griffin, the national director of animal-assisted interventions advancement at the organization.

From Seattle Times

“It kind of inspires people to connect in a way we haven’t traditionally heard talked about in other therapy animal interventions.”

From Seattle Times

So, in my opinion, they would also work as a therapy animal, perhaps being brought into nursing homes or hospitals.

From Slate

Alligators are extremely dangerous, wild animals that do not meet the rigorous standards of a therapy animal.

From Washington Post

These supports may include an assistive device such as a cane, technology and transcription software such as a Braille printer to translate text and music, a therapy animal such as a seeing-eye dog, or a teacher aide, depending on the student’s educational needs.

From Literature