The use of domestic animals for the therapeutic effect their presence or companionship can have on the mentally or physically ill, the elderly and lonely, etc.
Origin
1960s; earliest use found in American Journal of Psychiatry.
Definition of pet therapy in US English:
pet therapy
noun
The use of domestic animals for the therapeutic effect their presence or companionship can have on the mentally or physically ill, the elderly and lonely, etc.
Origin
1960s; earliest use found in American Journal of Psychiatry.