Pet therapy benefits which groups?

• A. Elderly and young.
• B. Only elderly.
• C. Only children.
• D. Veterinarians.

Answer: (A)

Pet therapy aims to boost emotional well-being and social engagement through interactions with trained animals, and its benefits span across age groups. For the elderly, therapy animals help reduce loneliness, lift mood, and encourage social activity and movement. For children, these interactions can ease anxiety, support communication, and assist in learning or coping with medical or educational challenges. Because both groups can benefit, the option that includes elderly and young best captures who benefits from pet therapy. Limiting benefits to only the elderly misses positive effects seen in younger individuals, while focusing only on children ignores the advantages seen in older adults. Veterinarians are primarily providers of care in these programs, not the main beneficiaries, so that choice doesn’t fit as well.