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Pet Therapy

children with dog

If you have a child who is struggling, pet therapy for children is a proven therapy treatment that works for a variety of conditions. Your child will likely respond very well to an emotional support animal. Your veterinarian can offer more information about this form of treatment, too.

What is Pet Therapy For Children?

Pet therapy for children is the use of pets to provide emotional support for a child who needs it. Growing up is very tough, even when everything goes “right.” But when extenuating circumstances come into play, such as physical, mental, or emotional disabilities, then children may need more—and different—help than what they can get from their parents or caregivers.

Pet therapy provides that additional resource so that children have a non-judgmental living creature to relate to, confide in, and just spend time with. Pet therapy works in care environments like hospitals, but it also works when the pet is part of a family at home.

What Conditions Pet Therapy Can Help With

Pet therapy has long been used to help with a wide range of conditions, like:

  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Behavioral disorders
  • Developmental disabilities
  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Bell’s palsy
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder

Pet therapy not only helps the child. Pet therapy can also indirectly help parents and caregivers since having the pet as additional support can feel like having another source of therapy available in the home. When a child is unable to get what they need from an adult, they can turn to the pet for emotional support.

Advantages of Animal-Assisted Therapy

Animal-assisted therapy is a method of therapy where companion animals are used to help a person manage health issues and/or the side effects of certain prescription medications. Therapy animals may be visitors to children in hospitals or care facilities, or they may become permanent therapy animals placed in the child’s home, much like a family pet. The benefits of animal-assisted therapy include:

  • Lowered blood pressure
  • Improved heart health
  • Pain reduction
  • Improvement in fine motor skills
  • Improved social engagement
  • Increased exercise/physical activity

If you’re intrigued and excited by the idea of having a pet as therapy for your child, talk to your veterinarian. Your vet can help you to find emotional support animals and ensure that your new pet receives the best veterinarian care as well.

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Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:30 am-1:00 pm

2:00 pm-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:30 am-1:00 pm

2:00 pm-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:30 am-1:00 pm

2:00 pm-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:30 am-1:00 pm

2:00 pm-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:30 am-1:00 pm

2:00 pm-5:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "I love Callahan Drive Animal Hospital! Best Veterinarian & Staff in Knoxville been going here for 15 years ! Only place I trust with my fur babies ! Everyone is helpful and friendly and they really care about your animals highly recommend !"
    Tracy S.
  • "Took my 3 y/o tortoise recently and I was pleasantly surprised. Not only was the vet knowledgeable and kind, but the overall visit (including an x-ray) was reasonably priced. I definitely recommend and I will be returning for future services"
    Valerie B.
  • "This group loves animals! Everyone is so kind and helpful! This Vet loves sharing information too! Wouldn’t go anywhere else!"
    Karen W.
  • "This is the best vet I’ve ever took my dog to I couldn’t see myself going anywhere else they took very good care of my son and I feel so much better knowing exactly what’s wrong with him very very sweet staff thank you soooooooo much Dr.Hilla and staff"
    Diane J.
  • "Doc Villa ALWAYS takes care of Studly Dudley!! I will ALWAYS recommend Callahan Drive Animal Hospital & their entire team as they truly do care for your animal in the same way you do!! Dr Villa has cared for Dudley for most of his SIXTEEN years & he’s still happy, healthy & strong!! I strongly believe, Stud has made it to this old age so gracefully due to the care he’s been given with this facility!! I would not trust another team than Callahan Animal with my “first child”, the only place for us to go!! Highly recommended!!"
    Lauren H.
  • "10/10 experience was even better than hoped for. As a snake owner, you hear things about vets that make you question taking them and it was very comforting and nice to have someone who not only helped but took the time to talk about caring for them properly. Thank you guys so much!"
    Lydia B