American doctors were the first to report on the positive effects of pets on people. Since 1977, the Delta Society has been collecting information about the therapeutic qualities of animals. This association was the founder of animal support therapy.
According to their research, stroking and touching an animal provides a sense of certainty, companionship, intimacy and continuity. Animals contribute to the psychological and physical health of humans.
It is argued that in animal-supporting therapy, factors such as psychological, physiological and social factors are linked. The dog draws attention to itself and thus provides distraction. This brings people into a state of relaxation. In addition, animal companions offer people social support. This reduces stress, so animals act as a so-called buffer against stress.
source: doggo.nls
