Pet Therapy in Senior Care: How to Create Safe, Meaningful Experiences

Pet therapy can be a valuable addition to senior care communities, offering meaningful emotional and psychological benefits while encouraging social connection among residents. However, creating a safe and effective program requires more than simply inviting animals into the space. Thoughtful planning—ranging from choosing qualified providers to designing sessions around resident needs—is essential for success.

Read on to learn how to thoughtfully implement pet therapy programs that prioritize safety, comfort, and meaningful resident engagement.

Laying the Groundwork for an Effective Program

Susan Hartzler, therapy dog handler

Introducing pet therapy into a senior care setting requires intentional planning and clearly defined protocols. According to Susan Hartzler, therapy dog handler and author of the upcoming book, “Teaming Up With Therapy Dogs: Skills to Build Healing Partnerships,” senior care communities should structure pet therapy programs carefully. Key elements include scheduling, supervision, infection control protocols, resident consent, and clear policies regarding pet handling.

“Therapy visits should always prioritize resident safety, dignity, and choice, as well as animal welfare,” says Hartzler. “Pet therapy should be integrated as a structured program, not an informal drop-in activity.”

How to Choose the Right Pet Therapy Partner

Successful pet therapy programs begin with choosing the right provider. Rachel Bender, MBA, CTRS, director of activities, recreational therapy, Hartford HealthCare The Orchards at Southington, encourages communities to look for providers whose services and approaches align with their residents’ therapeutic goals.

Rachel Bender, MBA, CTRS, director of activities, recreational therapy, Hartford HealthCare The Orchards at Southington

Selecting a reputable organization, such as a nationally recognized therapy animal organization or an independent provider who adheres to established standards, offers numerous advantages. These programs typically require formal evaluations, behavioral testing, and handler education, helping ensure both safety and effectiveness. “Handlers should understand senior-specific needs such as mobility limitations, dementia, sensory sensitivities, and end-of-life care,” says Hartzler. “Experience in senior environments matters.”

Health and safety documentation is also critical. Communities should require proof of vaccinations and a current veterinary health certificate before visits begin, rather than relying on verbal assurances. “Relying on verbal confirmation is not enough when bringing an unknown animal into residents’ homes,” Bender explains. She recommends maintaining and re-verifying all documents annually to ensure ongoing compliance.

Protecting Resident Health and Personal Preferences

Protecting resident health is an essential part of any pet therapy program. Pre-visit screenings should identify allergies, immune system concerns, and personal or cultural preferences related to animals. Sessions can then be adapted accordingly, including offering alternatives such as visual engagement, distance interaction, or individualized visits to accommodate varying needs.

At The Orchards at Southington, residents complete an intake questionnaire that captures their preferences, including interest in pet therapy. Staff members use this information to guide participation and ensure safety. During visits, they also reference lists of residents with allergies to prevent exposure and reduce risks.

Creating Comfortable, Positive Experiences for Every Resident

While staff members may not directly handle therapy animals, they play a vital role during the visits. They are uniquely positioned to monitor resident reactions and intervene if interactions become uncomfortable or unsafe. “They know our residents best and can observe their body language during the session, and step in if an interaction becomes unsafe or unwelcome,” she says.

Ongoing observation and communication are key to maintaining a positive resident experience. Hartzler emphasizes the importance of watching for signs of discomfort, overstimulation, or fatigue. “Comfort can change from visit to visit, so ongoing communication is essential,” she says. “Residents should be free to engage, disengage, or simply observe without pressure.”

To ensure that staff are prepared for pet therapy sessions, Hartzler recommends they receive training to help them understand therapy animal behavior. Training should cover how to recognize resident emotional cues and how to facilitate safe, respectful interactions. “Staff can help position residents comfortably, encourage conversation, and ensure sessions remain calm and positive,” says Hartzler.

Respecting resident boundaries is equally important. Fear of animals—especially dogs—is common, and programs must accommodate those concerns. Communities should provide residents with advance notice of planned visits, designate animal-free areas, and ensure that participation is always optional. “Gradual exposure, such as watching from a distance or viewing photos, can help some residents become more comfortable over time, but opting out must always be honored,” Hartzler explains.

“At the end of the day, senior living communities are the homes of the residents who live there,” says Bender. “If a resident is fearful of the pet or they have a dislike for animals, it is our responsibility to respect their preferences and make participation explicitly voluntary.”

Why Pet Therapy Delivers Lasting Value

Although implementing pet therapy requires careful planning and coordination, the benefits can be deeply rewarding. Hartzler recalls a particularly memorable moment when her dog, Baldwin, attended a St. Patrick’s Day celebration at a senior center. As live music played, Baldwin began howling along, prompting laughter and singing throughout the room.

“It wasn’t planned, but it created a shared moment of joy and connection that residents talked about long after the visit ended,” says Hartzler. “That’s the power of pet therapy. It meets people where they are and creates moments that feel human, joyful, and alive.”

Paige Cerulli

Paige Cerulli is a contributing writer to i Advance Senior Care.