Pet Therapy and Dementia: Can Animals Help?

Visits from a calm dog, or caring for a pet, can bring comfort and joy to some people with dementia. Here's what the research shows, what to think about before getting a pet, and alternatives like robotic animals.

By Jim Pavlish, Editor · Last updated: November 1, 2026 · Editorial policy

Short answer: pet therapy means planned time with a trained animal, usually a dog. The Alzheimer's Society says animals can bring comfort, companionship, a sense of purpose and confidence to people with dementia. A 2019 Cochrane review of 9 small trials found people may be slightly less depressed after animal-assisted therapy, but found no clear benefit for agitation, behavior or quality of life. It's worth trying if the person likes animals.

Watch someone with dementia stroke a calm, friendly dog and you'll often see them light up. They may smile, talk more, or share memories of a childhood pet.

Animals can't treat dementia, but they can bring moments of comfort and connection. Here's what's known.

This page is general information, not medical advice. Talk to the person's doctor or care team about new or worsening distress, low mood or agitation, which can have medical causes.

What is pet therapy?

"Pet therapy" is used loosely for a few different things:

• Animal-assisted therapy: planned sessions with a trained animal and handler, often with set goals. This is what most research has tested.
• Animal visits: volunteers bringing calm animals to care homes or day programs. The Alzheimer's Society says this is often what people mean by "pet therapy."
• Resident animals: some care homes have a resident cat or a fish tank.
• Owning a pet: keeping a dog, cat or other animal at home.

How animals may help

According to the Alzheimer's Society, animals and animal-assisted activities can:

• Offer comfort, companionship and a feeling of unconditional love
• Give a sense of purpose through caring for an animal
• Improve self-esteem and confidence
• Help someone who struggles with conversation stay engaged and involved
• Bring love, laughter and something to look forward to
• Spark memories of past pets, which can help with reminiscence

What the research shows

A 2019 Cochrane review, one of the most rigorous types of evidence summary, looked for randomized trials of animal-assisted therapy in dementia. It found nine trials with 305 people in total, all in Europe and the U.S. All but one used dogs; one used horses.

Its findings:

• People who had animal-assisted therapy may be slightly less depressed afterwards (low-certainty evidence).
• There was no clear improvement in quality of life, social functioning, problem behaviors, agitation, daily activities or self-care.
• Comparisons with robotic animals or soft toy animals showed mixed or small differences.
• The reviewers found no evidence on safety or on effects on the animals.

The reviewers said the certainty of the evidence ranged from very low to moderate, that clear conclusions can't yet be drawn about overall benefits and risks, and that better-designed trials are needed.

So the honest picture is: animals may lift mood a little for some people, and many families find visits enjoyable. But pet therapy hasn't been shown to reliably reduce agitation or change the course of dementia.

Before getting a pet

The Alzheimer's Society suggests thinking carefully before getting a pet for someone with dementia:

1. Can the person decide? They need to understand the commitment involved.
2. Can the animal's needs be met? Cats and dogs can live many years and need daily feeding, water, exercise, grooming and vet visits. The animal's welfare matters.
3. Where will the pet come from? Some breeders, shelters or shops may be unwilling to rehome a pet with someone who has dementia.
4. Does the person actually want one? Not everyone likes animals. Some people are afraid of them, have allergies or have health conditions that animals could make worse.
5. Would regular visits work better? Visits from a friend's or relative's pet can be a good compromise.
6. Would a robotic pet or soft toy suit them? The Alzheimer's Society says some studies show a "fake" pet can bring many of the same calming effects, and suggests this may be a good option to explore first. See Doll Therapy for Dementia: Does It Help, and Is It Right?.

Make a plan for the future. Think about what will happen to the pet if the person can no longer care for it, or moves into care where pets aren't allowed. A family member or friend may be able to take over.

Tips for animal visits

• Choose calm animals. The Alzheimer's Society notes visiting animals are often chosen for a calm, gentle temperament.
• Ask about programs. Many care homes and day programs arrange animal visits. Ask what's offered. See Adult Day Programs for People with Dementia.
• Keep it short and relaxed. Let the person decide how close to get.
• Watch their reaction. If they enjoy it, build it into the routine. If they seem anxious or scared, stop.
• Mind allergies and fears. The Alzheimer's Society notes some people are afraid of animals or have allergies or conditions that animals could aggravate.

Common questions

Does pet therapy help people with dementia?

It may help some people. A 2019 Cochrane review found animal-assisted therapy may slightly reduce depression, but found no clear benefit for agitation, behavior or quality of life. The evidence comes from small studies.

Should someone with dementia get a pet?

It depends. The Alzheimer's Society suggests considering whether the person wants one, can make the decision, and can meet the animal's needs, and planning for the pet's future. Visits or a robotic pet may be good alternatives.

Do robotic pets work for dementia?

The Alzheimer's Society says some studies show robotic pets can bring many of the same calming effects as real pets. The Cochrane review found mixed results when comparing live and robotic animals.

What animals are used in pet therapy?

Dogs are most common. In the Cochrane review, all but one study used dogs, and one used horses. Care homes may also have resident cats or fish tanks.

The bottom line

Animals can bring comfort, joy and a sense of purpose to some people with dementia, and may lift mood a little. But they aren't a treatment for dementia, and owning a pet is a big responsibility. Start with visits or a robotic pet, follow the person's lead, and keep the animal's welfare in mind too.

Sources

1. Alzheimer's Society: Can caring for a pet help a person with dementia?
2. Cochrane (2019): Lai NM et al., Animal-assisted therapy for dementia (PubMed 31763689)
3. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2019): Lai NM et al., Animal-assisted therapy for dementia, full review

Not medical advice. This article is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan for any individual. Talk with a doctor about your situation.

Related articles

• Doll Therapy for Dementia: Does It Help, and Is It Right?
• Non-Drug Treatments for Dementia
• Activities for People with Dementia
• Apathy in Dementia: When Someone Loses Interest and Motivation
• Music and Art Therapy
• Social Connection