13/08/2026
New Research Explains How Animal-Assisted Services Work
A newly published review in Comprehensive Psychoneuroendocrinology shifts the focus from asking whether Animal-Assisted Services (AAS) work to understanding how they work biologically.
The review brings together current evidence showing that positive interactions with animals are associated with:
• Reduced cortisol (the body’s primary stress hormone)
• Increased oxytocin, which supports bonding, trust and social connection
• Activation of the brain’s reward pathways
• Improved communication between the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, supporting emotional regulation
• Reduced physiological stress responses
Importantly, the authors propose an integrated neurobiological framework that helps explain why incorporating animals into professional service delivery may enhance emotional regulation, strengthen therapeutic relationships and improve engagement with treatment.
This research is particularly valuable for healthcare organisations, policymakers and funding bodies, as it provides a biological explanation for the growing evidence supporting Animal-Assisted Services. It also reinforces the importance of delivering AAS within evidence-based practice, by appropriately qualified professionals, while maintaining high standards of animal welfare.
Read the research here:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666497626000317