Beyond the dog: My list of unexpected but fun therapy animals

In late July, Vancouver International Airport expanded its therapy dog program to soothe worried travellers’ nerves by including a new animal you wouldn’t guess: ponies.

I am pretty sure not all of us are really intrigued by these animals. There are other animals, besides dogs, that would be therapeutic to spend time with, even during exams or a hectic work schedule. 

If I were to pick a few animals as my dream therapy, they would include a miniature highland cow, which has long shaggy fur. Imagine running your fingers through it! Their wisdom-filled look of pure acceptance would pair nicely with their slow chewing noises. #ASMR. 

Next up, a giant fluffy Maine coon cat. It’s basically living under a weighted blanket with whiskers and purr noises, resembling a tiny lawnmower, which will melt your exam stress within seconds.

Another interesting therapy animal is a sea otter. What can I say, watching them crack open shellfish is weirdly satisfying. They just flow on their backs, holding out their hands on a rock, radiating pure calmness. 

Sloths are also one of my favourites for when I physically need to slow down. They seem like great hangout buddies to reduce your stress.

Now, baby goats might sound like a funny therapy animal because they can bounce on you like caffeinated popcorn, but their chaotic joy is really contagious. If you’re ever feeling sad about anything, baby goats are great for snapping you out of a slump.

All these animals are really a combination of soothing warm, fluffy with emotional charm, funny, or absurdly chill. 

The reason why therapy animals work is beyond cuteness.

Therapy animals can help us with psychological stress. Interacting with animals lowers the stress hormone cortisol, reduces blood pressure, and increases oxytocin, which is usually called the bonding hormone.

Also, who doesn’t want to be emotionally comforted by a cute animal? Furry friends are non-judgemental and unconditional. They help us in our turbulence and promote emotional regulation and well-being.

Therapy animals can also pull us out of our tough headspace and into the moment, which is the kind of engagement you need to squash overthinking. I mean nobody wants to overthink stuff that’s unnecessary. 

So in an animal shell (not nut shell), whether you are jetlagged, strained by exams, or burnt out from the grind, go find yourself a therapy animal out of the ordinary. They can offer you a unique lifeline, whether they’ve got fur, fins, or wings!