09/08/2026
New Research Supports Canine-Assisted Services for Mental Health and Neurodevelopmental Conditions
A newly published systematic review in the British Journal of Psychiatry adds to the growing evidence that dog-assisted interventions can provide meaningful benefits for both children and adults living with mental health or neurodevelopmental conditions.
After reviewing the available evidence, the researchers found that dog-assisted interventions were associated with improvements in:
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Emotional regulation
• Social functioning
• Engagement with treatment
One of the review’s most important findings was that the presence of a dog may increase engagement with professional services. For many people, this can help build trust, encourage participation, and support ongoing involvement in treatment.
The authors also emphasise that dog-assisted interventions should complement, not replace, evidence-based care, and should be delivered by appropriately qualified professionals with careful attention to animal welfare.
This latest research reinforces the important role that well-trained dogs can play in supporting therapeutic relationships and improving client engagement across a range of professional settings.
Read the full research here:
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/the-british-journal-of-psychiatry/article/dogassisted-interventions-for-children-and-adults-with-mental-health-or-neurodevelopmental-conditions-systematic-review/72599C9A5BDBA836E61D043FE8F097E7
