SINGAPORE – In recent years, animal-assisted interventions have gained recognition in Singapore as effective tools for therapy, offering emotional and psychological benefits.
Whether through the calming presence of a dog, horse or rabbit, animals have long been a part of many people’s lives. But it is only recently that their potential in structured mental health care settings has been fully explored.
Therapy animals’ impact on emotional well-being
Therapy animals create a calm, judgment-free space, offering comfort to those struggling with feelings of guilt, worthlessness or social anxiety.
With 17 per cent of Singapore residents reporting poor mental health, according to the National Population Health Survey 2022, structured animal-assisted interventions offer a promising approach for better mental well-being.
Research shows that interacting with therapy animals releases oxytocin – nature’s bonding hormone – while reducing cortisol, the stress hormone. This balance helps foster emotional stability, lowers blood pressure and eases tension.
Beyond short-term comfort, structured interactions with therapy animals help individuals regulate emotions and calm their nerves. Studies consistently highlight the benefits of these interventions, showing effectiveness in alleviating symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and improving social engagement among the elderly.
A 2015 pilot study in Singapore found that animal-assisted therapy significantly reduced depression symptoms in individuals with moderate to severe conditions. Similar research suggests these interactions lower cortisol and increase dopamine, which enhances mood and emotional stability.
Different approaches
There are different approaches within the field of animal-assisted interventions. While all aim to improve well-being, each has a distinct purpose.
At the core of these interventions is animal-assisted therapy, a structured, goal-oriented approach led by trained professionals. Unlike simple petting, this therapy focuses on specific outcomes such as improving emotional regulation, enhancing social skills, and reducing anxiety.
Often combined with conventional therapies such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, it helps address mental health issues and encourages lasting change.
Animal-assisted education focuses on the social and emotional development of children and individuals with special needs. It creates a supportive learning environment to build emotional resilience and improve social interactions.
On a more informal level, animal-assisted activities promote well-being through stress relief, mood enhancement and social engagement in community or recreational settings. While less structured than therapy, these activities still provide valuable emotional support.
Additionally, animal-related engagement refers to any activity that encourages the benefits of the human-animal bond. For example, using a stuffed animal in a session could provide comfort and emotional support.
This variety of approaches shows how animals can play a versatile and meaningful role in mental health and well-being.
Transforming lives
In Singapore, the Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH) provides effective therapeutic experience in collaboration with organisations like Equal, which specialises in equine- or horse-assisted learning, and volunteer groups like the Redhot Dynomutts Sayang Squad, which works with trained therapy dogs.
Such experiences have reduced clients’ anxiety, improved social engagement and offered them emotional support. Anyone who is open to animal-assisted interventions is suitable for them, as they provide the platform for exploring one’s own challenges and reflecting on one’s coping approaches.
One example is an 18-year-old client with depression and social anxiety, who initially avoided group activities. She participated in dog therapy sessions, though she felt highly anxious at first. Over time, she became more at ease as she interacted with the dogs, eventually initiating conversations with others. The dogs provided a safe, non-judgmental environment, helping her feel comfortable and open up to engage with others.
As mental wellness practitioners, we have also seen mood improvements in other clients during their interactions with horses. Many participants have been observed smiling more frequently and showing greater motivation, regularly attending sessions on time and engaging actively. These sessions offered them opportunities to observe the horses closely and share their thoughts and experiences with greater confidence.
By encouraging mindfulness, the different forms of animal interactions helped participants stay present and attuned to their thoughts, emotions and surroundings, contributing to their overall well-being.
Chandra Segran V Muniandy, 69, plants na kiss on a horse called Summer from Equal during a visit to the Villa Francis Home in Yishun on Nov 26, 2024. Equal, a charity which runs horse therapy sessions, started a programme to bring its miniature horses to the beds of nursing home patients for therapy.
Animal-assisted education focuses on the social and emotional development of children and individuals with special needs.PHOTO: ST FILE
While SAMH does not directly provide animal-assisted therapies, we support the integration of these interventions into mental health services as a complement to conventional therapies.
In line with our commitment to offering diverse therapeutic options, SAMH also provides creative therapies such as art and dance, as well as group activities like sports and cooking, to build confidence and well-being.
These programmes, alongside our advocacy for animal-assisted interventions, aim to support individuals in their mental health journeys by offering different methods for emotional expression, connection and growth. Through our collaborations and outreach, we raise awareness about the benefits of these interventions and encourage their integration into holistic care.
Navigating challenges and misconceptions
While animal-assisted interventions offer significant benefits, several challenges and misconceptions persist.
One major issue is the shortage of trained therapy animals and qualified professionals, making it difficult to match individuals with the right therapy animals.
There is also a common misconception that therapy animals can replace human therapists. In reality, these interventions complement – not replace – conventional therapies like psychotherapy. While personal pets may offer comfort, they do not provide the same targeted therapeutic benefits as formal interventions.
Cultural beliefs and personal preferences can also make some individuals uneasy around animals. In Singapore, for instance, some may have phobias, allergies or cultural views that make them uncomfortable with animals. To address this, controlled introductions to therapy animals and educational campaigns can help shift perceptions and alleviate concerns.
Lastly, as a non-conventional therapy, there is not enough research to demonstrate its effectiveness. Some may perceive it as simply playing with animals.
However, global studies highlight the efficacy of animal-assisted interventions, and as awareness grows, incorporating these therapies into treatment will provide a more holistic and inclusive approach to mental well-being.
A positive outlook for animal-assisted care
Despite the challenges, animal-assisted interventions remain a promising addition to mental health care. As mental health awareness grows, these interventions offer a non-threatening way to engage individuals, particularly younger generations or those from backgrounds where seeking psychological help may still carry stigma.
Looking ahead, animal-assisted interventions are set to become a cornerstone of mental health care in Singapore.
At SAMH, we recognise the potential of animal-assisted interventions integrating with other creative therapeutic approaches in enhancing integrated care and supporting mental well-being. In line with our vision of “Mental Wellness for All”, we are committed to fostering greater collaboration across social services and the community to amplify the reach and impact of various therapeutic interventions.
Adjunct Associate Professor Lee Cheng JP is president of the Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH). He is a senior consultant psychiatrist and the clinical director of the Office of Population Health at the Institute of Mental Health, where he oversees several community mental health programmes.
Ms Christine Chiew is a senior social worker and the senior head of youth services at SAMH, which provides creative therapies, counselling and rehabilitation programmes for individuals with mental health conditions.
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