At OTHC, we’ve always believed that growth and learning happen best when children feel calm, connected, and engaged. One of the most beautiful ways we see this happen is through the bond between children and animals.
If you’ve visited our clinic, you might have met Pretzel, our gentle and much-loved therapy dog. Pretzel plays an important role in helping children feel comfortable and supported — but the benefits of animals go far beyond cuddles and wagging tails.
Whether it’s a family pet at home or a trained therapy animal, pets can have a powerful impact on a child’s development — supporting everything from emotional regulation to confidence, communication, and motor skills.
Emotional Support and Comfort
Animals have an incredible ability to sense emotions. When a child feels anxious, sad, or overwhelmed, the presence of a calm and friendly animal can help lower stress levels and create a sense of safety.
Simply patting a dog or sitting beside a quiet pet can slow breathing, reduce muscle tension, and bring comfort in moments of distress. For many children, especially those who find social situations or transitions challenging, animals provide a consistent and non-judgmental source of reassurance.
Building Engagement and Motivation
Children are naturally drawn to animals. They spark curiosity, laughter, and joy — which makes them wonderful motivators for learning new skills.
When therapy activities involve an animal, children are often more willing to participate. They might practise throwing a ball for Pretzel to strengthen their upper body, feed a pet to work on fine motor control, or complete a routine together to build sequencing and planning skills.
For some children, even knowing an animal is nearby can boost engagement and focus during a session.
Supporting Sensory Regulation
Animals offer rich sensory experiences that help children learn about and manage their senses.
The feeling of soft fur, the sound of gentle breathing, or the rhythm of a horse’s walk all provide calming sensory input that supports regulation. These experiences can help children who are sensitive to sensory input find comfort, and those who need more stimulation stay focused and grounded.
Encouraging Social and Communication Skills
Animals help children build confidence in social situations. For many, talking to or interacting with a pet feels easier than communicating with people — it’s a safe space to practise empathy, patience, and gentle communication.
Through this connection, children often begin to open up more easily with others too. They learn about turn-taking, body language, and how to express care — all important foundations for relationships and emotional development.
Strengthening Motor Skills and Body Awareness
Playing and caring for animals naturally builds coordination and motor skills. Brushing a dog, pouring food, or walking a pet on a lead all help develop strength, control, and planning.
Larger animals, like horses in equine-assisted therapy, can also help with balance and posture. These activities are fun, purposeful, and provide immediate feedback — a combination that helps children stay motivated and see their own progress.
Why We Value Animal-Assisted Therapy
At OTHC, our therapy dog Pretzel brings calm, warmth, and connection to every child she meets. For some, she’s a motivator; for others, she’s a source of comfort or a gentle bridge to social interaction.
Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is delivered by qualified therapists who incorporate animals into goal-focused sessions — and it’s something we’re proud to include as part of our holistic approach to helping children thrive.
Whether it’s Pretzel in our clinic or a beloved pet at home, animals can play an incredible role in supporting your child’s confidence, development, and wellbeing.
Further Reading
Serpell, J.A. (1996). Animal Companions and Human Wellbeing: An Historical Exploration of the Value of Human–Animal Relationships.
