Animal Magic
Benefits of Pet Therapy for Older Adults
Animals have a remarkable ability to connect with people in ways that words often cannot.
For older adults, especially those experiencing loneliness, memory loss, or health challenges, interactions with animals can bring comfort, joy, and meaningful engagement. This is the heart of pet therapy—structured visits or programs where trained animals help support emotional and physical well-being.
Research shows that spending time with animals can lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, and increase levels of serotonin and dopamine.
For older adults, these benefits can translate into improved mood, decreased anxiety, and greater social interaction. In memory care settings, animals often spark memories and encourage conversation. Even individuals who struggle with verbal communication may respond positively to a gentle dog, cat, goat, or horse.
Horses are especially powerful therapy partners because they are highly intuitive and responsive to human emotions. In fact, there's a whole modality dedicated to this concept: Equus Coaching. We took the opportunity to try it out ourselves recently! We each had a session in Littleton with Andrée Debauge at Elevation Equine Therapy and her horse, Cash, who is the sweetest guy ever.
Pet therapy can also encourage movement and sensory engagement. Brushing a dog, tossing a ball, or simply walking alongside an animal provides light physical activity and a sense of purpose. These small moments can make a meaningful difference in daily life.
Other local organizations also bring animals directly to older adults through visiting therapy animal programs and community wellness initiatives.
For families and caregivers, exploring animal-assisted programs can be a simple but powerful way to enrich life. Whether it’s a friendly dog visit, time with a gentle horse, or simply watching animals together, these interactions often create moments of calm, connection, and pure joy. And that can make even the hardest days more bearable.
Resources
Denver Pet Partners
A nonprofit that connects trained therapy animal teams with hospitals, senior living communities, libraries, and healthcare organizations across the Denver metro area.
720-556-3434
https://denverpetpartners.org
Joyous Paws Pet Therapy
A volunteer nonprofit providing free pet-assisted visits to assisted living communities, adult day programs, hospitals, schools, and libraries throughout the Denver metro area.
303-378-5987
https://joyouspaws.com
Elevation Equine Therapy
Elevation Equine Therapy offers equine-assisted experiences focused on emotional wellness, confidence, and connection. Programs help participants build trust, communication skills, and self-awareness through guided interactions with horses.
913-687-3713
elevationequine.org
Medicine Horse
a nonprofit providing equine-facilitated psychotherapy and learning programs, often offered free or by donation. Licensed therapists work with horses to support emotional healing, trauma recovery, and personal growth.
720-406-7630
https://www.medicinehorse.org
What did the dog say to its owner when he brought a new animal home?
He said:
"You've got to be kitten me." OR "Toucan play at this game."
