October 10th is World Mental Health Day and a great day to educate people on the importance of taking care of our mental health. This looks different for everyone and can be as simple as self-care acts like going to the dentist and keeping up with doctor’s appointments. Self-care can include yoga and meditation, while others may find more comfort in crafting and sports. Throughout the years, animal companionship has become a great outlet for many people. The work of therapy dogs has become more popular, and science has begun doing research into why therapy dogs work. 

Interacting with and petting a therapy dog releases a hormone called oxytocin. Oxytocin release is associated with lower cortisol (stress) levels, lower blood pressure and increased feelings of relaxation. Oxytocin can also help give a sense of social connection. These things can lead to people feeling more present and help reduce their anxiety and depression. 

Because these studies are becoming more well known, you can now find Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) therapy dogs in a variety of different settings. Here are 4 places you can now find ATD teams and how they help in those locations: 

1. Airports: Airports have become a popular place to find ATD teams. Airport therapy dogs can help reduce stress and anxiety about flying before someone boards an airplane. They can help a stressed-out parent when they distract children for a bit of time while they are waiting to board. Worried about missing a flight? Taking a few minutes to pet a dog while you are delayed can help take your mind of things for a few minutes. Airport workers can be as stressed as the people flying. Taking a few minutes out of their busy workday to pet a dog can bring a smile to their face when they’ve had a hard day.  

1. Correctional Facilities: Correctional facilities are looking for ways to help teach emotional regulation to their inmates. A great way to do that is through the use of therapy dogs. Letting inmates feel the positive effects of petting and playing with a dog can help them learn what those emotions feel like. Seeing that volunteer therapy dog handlers care enough about them to take time out of their day to visit lets them see that people still care. This can lead to inmates wanting to give back in various ways as well.  

1. Competitions: Therapy dogs can be found at a variety of competitions, from sport competitions to academic. Emotions are always high at these events, whether someone is nervous for their performance or sad because it didn’t go the way they hoped. Giving competitors and families a place to sit down for a moment and interact with a therapy dog is a great way to release those feel-good hormones. 

1. Construction Sites: Construction companies are beginning to hire mental health professionals who are in charge of helping care for their employees. Bringing therapy dog teams on site to visit construction workers brings up the moral and lets them know they aren’t forgotten. Many construction workers work long hours and deal with a lot of stress on the job, so breaking up the day with a quick therapy dog visit can be just the boost they need.  

Thinking outside the box when it comes to therapy visit locations can lead to new opportunities to provide these benefits to others. In this day and age, everyone can use a little mental health pick me-up. When those pick me-ups come during times people least expect them, the joy on their face says it all. The world is beginning to see the importance of therapy dogs in many different locations and sharing those visits can help inspire facilities to consider visits for themselves. If you are a facility and have any questions on how an ATD therapy dog might benefit your facility, contact the ATD Office at office@therapydogs.com for more information.