comfort animal

[ kuhm-fert an-uh-muhl ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of comfort animal¹

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

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

A dog visited the hospital, a comfort animal.

From Los Angeles Times

Randy Credico, a New York radio personality and comedian, brought a tiny white dog to his grand jury appearance as a “comfort” animal.

From New York Times

It says she suffers from severe anxiety and confirmed with the airline twice that her “medically necessary comfort animal,” Simba, could travel with her.

From Washington Times