therapy animal
nounUK /ˈθer.ə.pi ˈæn.ɪ.məl/
US /ˈθer.ə.pi ˈæn.ə.məl/
A therapy animal is a friendly animal that helps people feel calm and happy.
The therapy animal visited the hospital to cheer up the children.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. An animal trained to visit schools and libraries to help children feel relaxed while reading.
A therapy animal sat quietly while the boy read his book aloud.
3. An animal that brings comfort to elderly people in care homes.
The therapy animal wagged its tail as the residents petted it.
4. An animal used in therapy sessions to help people cope with stress.
The counselor brought a therapy animal to help the patient open up.