OK, pet owners, we know we love our animals and think they are capable of all sorts of wonderful things. But have you ever considered that animals may be an effective aspect of trauma treatment? Today we are going to explore the research on animals as a tool for the management and treatment of trauma and PTSD symptoms and consider the benefits that animal ownership may have for those who are trauma survivors.

Animals have long been used and studied as therapeutic tools in trauma recovery. For example, equine-assisted therapy has been shown to improve trust, self-esteem, and self-efficacy in trauma survivors (1). And a meta-analysis of several research articles concludes that k-9 and equine therapy shows strong indications as positive tools for trauma healing in survivors of military trauma, child abuse, and more (2).

But can owning a pet be a tool in trauma recovery? For some people, the answer may be yes. Let’s explore this a little further.

Animals can be a starting point for healthy connections.

For those who have experienced trauma in the form of interpersonal violence, relational violence, or abuse, human relationships and interactions may be accompanied by significant challenges and trauma triggers or responses. When relationships are an aspect of the things that hurt us, it is a natural response to be avoidance of those things. Animals have been noted to serve as a healthy starting point for those who are looking and needing to rebuild the capacity for healthy human connection. Animals often respond in similar ways to human beings, however, they also tend to be judgment free, and without ulterior motives.

Animals can help to establish feelings of safety.

The nature of trauma involves the violation of the sense of safety for any individual. Many people report that living with an animal, specifically, dogs, helps them to feel less alone in their environment, and increase their feelings of safety when they are alone. And trauma treatment, the establishment of safety in the ability to feel safe when one is safe, is a key component of the recovery process. Animals can be an important part of establishing that sense of safety in an individual who is the survivor of trauma’s home.

Animal connection is associated with a reduction in cortisol.

Cortisol is known as the stress response hormone of the body, and is the primary hormonal response associated with trauma symptoms and trauma responses. Individuals who are recovering from trauma tend to have high production of cortisol which is associated with the vast majority of trauma symptoms. Animal connection is noted to reduce cortisol levels in those who spend time with animals. So on a narrow chemical level, the reduction of cortisol through the connection of animals, maybe a helpful way to build healthy brain responses in the journey toward trauma recovery and treatment.

And one final thought.

As a mental health therapist, I am confident in the power of human-animal Connections. But as an animal owner and lover, I am passionate about the importance of ethical animal ownership. choosing to bring an animal into your home is a multi-year, if not decade-long commitment. And if that is not something that you have the capacity to fully embrace in this season of life, that is OK! Here are some alternative options for pet connection if you are not in a space to be able to fully make the commitment of individual animal ownership.

Consider fostering through a local rescue or Humane Society. mini animal rescues are looking for short term placements for animals that they are looking to place in forever homes. Fostering is an excellent opportunity to explore the potential benefits of animal ownership, without the full commitment involved in animal adoption.
Consider volunteering at a local Humane Society. There is a lot of love for those animals to give, and that oxytocin boost from animal interactions can come even from a short play session.
Offer to pet sit for a friend or family member the next time they leave town.

If you are a survivor or trauma, please know there are effect treatments for trauma and PTSD. Our team has several trained trauma therapist that can help you heal from your past trauma experiences. There are options for online therapy treatment and in person at our Arlington, TX based therapy group.

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