How can I introduce therapy animals to improve workplace wellbeing?

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It might be a unique way to boost morale, but I’m curious about how to do it properly and professionally. Has anyone tried this approach, or are there guidelines to follow for integrating therapy animals into the workplace?

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A. G. 21 Sep 2025

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Introducing therapy animals to improve workplace wellbeing can be a great idea, but it’s important to involve employees in the planning process. Survey your team first to gauge interest and identify any concerns or preferences. This helps create buy-in and ensures the program meets actual needs rather than being imposed top-down.
Also, consider partnering with local organizations that specialize in therapy animals. They often provide not just certified animals but also guidance on best practices for integration, including liability coverage and health protocols.
Finally, track outcomes like employee stress levels or engagement before and after introducing therapy visits. Data will help you refine the approach and demonstrate its value to leadership over time.
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Aurora Little 9 Nov 2025

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One time, at this company I worked for, someone just brought in a dog unannounced and it was chaos because people weren’t prepared and some folks actually got super stressed or even scared, so from that mess I learned it’s not just about having a cool furry friend around but about creating an actual culture where therapy animals are a deliberate part of the wellbeing strategy and that means setting up a clear framework which includes things like having designated “animal zones” and quiet areas for those who might want to avoid interaction plus you wanna make sure there’s a fallback plan if the animal gets overwhelmed or needs to leave early also timing matters like maybe scheduling short sessions during breaks or after peak work hours to minimize distractions and one detail many people miss is involving HR and maybe even health experts from the start to tailor everything legally and medically to your workplace environment. A great tip is to start small with certified animal-handler teams rather than just random animals because consistency helps colleagues build positive associations plus you can run info sessions on pet allergies risks and animal behavior so everyone knows what’s up.
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Anonymous 23 Aug 2025

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Headsup: therapy animals aren’t the same as regular pets. They usually need certification and training to be considered legit in professional settings. Before bringing one into your workplace, it’s crucial to check legal stuff like ADA compliance and company policies on service or emotional support animals.
Consider allergies and phobias among coworkers—some people might not react well even if the intention is positive. A pilot program with clear guidelines can help test how well this fits your specific office culture without causing unintended issues
15

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Accepted Answer · 2025-08-24T16:15:21+00:00

One thing people often overlook is the importance of setting clear boundaries around therapy animal visits. It’s not just about having a certified animal present, but also about scheduling specific times and places where interactions happen to avoid constant disruption or distraction. Plus, training staff on how to engage respectfully with the animals can make a huge difference in ensuring everyone benefits without feeling pressured. This way, it stays professional and focused on wellbeing instead of turning into an uncontrolled pet party.