October 4 has been declared World Animal Day to emphasize the importance of animal rights, the protection of animals, the improvement of their living conditions, and the significance of human-animal interaction. This day not only serves to protect animals, but also to remind us of the delicate balance between humans, animals, and nature. World Animal Day is not just a celebration; it is also a call for awareness. Adopting animals from shelters, improving the living conditions of stray animals, and strengthening legal regulations on animal rights are among the most important messages of this day.
One of the most striking developments showing that animals are not only companions but also partners in healing is
animal-assisted rehabilitation practices.
Scientific research shows that animals are not merely loyal friends and silent companions on the journey of life; with the unconditional love they offer, they also make profound contributions to physical and psychological healing processes. Especially dogs, horses, dolphins, and cats participate in many rehabilitation programs with their reassuring companionship and therapeutic effects.
Today, animal-assisted rehabilitation stands out as a complementary approach in many fields—from physical therapy to psychiatric support processes, from pediatric work with children to elderly care and special education practices.
In physical therapy, dogs in particular help patients engage more willingly in their exercises. Walking with dogs during post-stroke or post-trauma rehabilitation not only improves balance and muscle strength but also enhances motivation.
In psychiatry, animals’ calming and reassuring effects are prominent in treating depression and anxiety. Therapy dogs and cats help lower stress levels and facilitate participation in sessions. Dog-assisted therapy has shown especially positive results for individuals experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In pediatrics, hippotherapy (horse-assisted therapy) helps children with autism develop social communication skills. Contact with horses increases children’s self-confidence while supporting balance and motor skills development. In some centers, dolphin-assisted therapies also contribute to attention, concentration, and learning processes for children with special needs.
In geriatrics, especially in nursing homes, activities with dogs and cats reduce feelings of loneliness, increase the vitality of elderly individuals, and help preserve cognitive functions in those with mild dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
In special education programs, animals make it easier for children with learning difficulties to engage in lessons. The bond they form with animals strengthens their self-confidence and helps develop a sense of responsibility.
In hospitals and palliative care centers, animal-assisted rehabilitation also plays a crucial role. Therapy dogs visiting cancer patients undergoing long-term treatment raise morale and support stronger adaptation to the treatment process.
In Turkey, animal-assisted therapies are also applied in various universities, rehabilitation centers, and non-governmental organizations. In Ankara, Istanbul, and Izmir, horse-assisted therapy programs are conducted in some centers. In nursing homes, activities supported by cats and dogs reduce the feeling of loneliness among elderly individuals.
In short, the unconditional love and trust that animals provide not only facilitate individuals’ healing journeys but also make treatment processes more humane and filled with hope. These practices support both physical health and psychosocial development by strengthening empathy, patience, and a sense of responsibility.
Protecting Animal Rights Is Part of the Treatment
At this point, the ethical dimension of animal-assisted rehabilitation emerges as one of the most important aspects. It is essential that the animals used in these therapies live in good conditions, receive regular veterinary check-ups, and have their welfare protected. An approach that prioritizes the health and happiness of animals is also critically important for the success of treatment. Animals are not only loyal companions, but also special beings that offer us unconditional love.
Today, we remember that protecting animals is not only an ethical responsibility but also an investment in our own health and in the future of society. The bond of unconditional love established with animals reminds us once again of compassion, empathy, and the shared essence of life.
