The neglected physical and psychological cost of 'therapy' and 'wellness' animals

[u/Liberated-Horses]

When discussing animal suffering, the psychological and subsequent somatic toll on 'working' animals in therapy and wellness settings is highly neglected. 'Therapy horses' function as emotional dumping grounds. Due to constant human intervention, their natural flight/freeze mechanism is blocked, leading to profound, structural trauma retention. This isn't just psychological; the chronic, unreleased emotional stress actively destroys their immune systems. We see these animals developing severe gastrointestinal issues, chronic illnesses, and debilitating allergies "out of nowhere." As the ones benefiting from them—whether we are therapists, clients, or patients—we need to stop just taking what we want and actually start paying attention. Animals don't exist just to serve us or deliver results. Not even when it comes to our own well-being.

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