The Pet Partners organization notes, "that these (animal-assisted) therapies may improve many important markers of stress and disorder by:

• decreasing anxiety and stress

• decreasing perceptions of pain

• reducing feelings of fear or worry

• increasing feelings of social support

• providing motivation, stimulation, and focus"

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UCLA found, "The simple act of petting animals releases an automatic relaxation response. Humans interacting with animals have found that petting the animal promoted the release of serotonin, prolactin and oxytocin- all hormones that can play a part in elevating moods."

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Habri Central stated, "people with PTSD often experience emotional numbing, yet the presence of an animal has been reported to elicit positive emotions and warmth. Animals have also been demonstrated as social facilitators that can connect people and reduce loneliness, which may assist individuals with PTSD break out of isolation and connect to the humans around them."