For many people, work has become increasingly stressful. Long hours, constant notifications, hybrid working pressures, and rising burnout levels are leaving employees mentally exhausted. As organisations search for better ways to support workplace wellbeing, one solution is receiving growing attention: animal therapy.
What was once mainly associated with hospitals and care homes is now appearing in offices, co-working spaces, and workplace wellbeing programmes across the UK.
At the same time, NHS mental health services have also started expanding the use of therapy animals within treatment settings. Some NHS trusts in London and across the UK have introduced animal-assisted support programmes to help patients reduce anxiety, feel calmer, and engage more comfortably with mental health treatment.
The growing popularity of animal therapy raises an important question for employers:
Could animals help create healthier workplaces too?
Why Animal Therapy Has Become So Popular
The idea behind animal therapy is relatively simple. Human interaction with animals can positively influence emotional wellbeing, stress levels, and social connection.
Research has shown that spending time with animals may help lower cortisol levels, reduce feelings of anxiety, and improve mood. Even brief interactions with dogs can create a sense of calm during stressful situations.
This is one reason why therapy dogs are increasingly being used in healthcare environments.
In NHS mental health settings, therapy animals are often introduced to help patients feel less intimidated, more relaxed, and more willing to engage in conversations with healthcare professionals.
Many organisations are now exploring whether similar benefits could apply within the workplace.
The Rise of Animal Therapy in Offices
Over recent years, some businesses have started allowing dogs into the workplace on selected days as part of employee wellbeing initiatives.
For some organisations, this takes the form of “bring your dog to work” days. Others partner with professional therapy dog organisations to run wellbeing sessions involving trained animals.
The purpose is not simply entertainment.
Supporters of animal therapy in workplaces believe that animals can help reduce stress, encourage social interaction, and create a more positive office atmosphere.
In many workplaces, dogs naturally become conversation starters. Employees from different teams interact more casually, conversations become less formal, and the workplace often feels more approachable overall.
This matters because workplace mental health is heavily influenced by environment and culture.
Employees who feel isolated, overwhelmed, or emotionally disconnected are often less engaged and more vulnerable to stress and burnout.
Small moments of connection can make a bigger difference than many employers realise.
Animal Therapy Cannot Replace Real Mental Health Support
Although animal therapy can create positive emotional effects, it is important not to confuse wellbeing initiatives with structured mental health support.
A therapy dog may improve someone’s day, but it cannot solve chronic stress caused by unrealistic workloads, toxic management, or poor workplace culture.
This is where some organisations struggle.
Many companies invest heavily in visible wellbeing initiatives while failing to build proper systems for identifying and responding to mental health concerns.
Employees need more than occasional wellbeing activities. They also need workplaces that know how to respond when someone is genuinely struggling.
Why Organisations Are Investing in MHFR Training
As workplace mental health conversations become more practical, many organisations are now introducing Mental Health First Responder (MHFR) training alongside broader wellbeing initiatives.
This is because awareness alone is often not enough.
Employees and managers may notice signs of distress in colleagues but still feel unsure about what to do next. MHFR training helps individuals recognise potential warning signs, respond appropriately, and guide people towards the right support pathways.
This creates an important balance.
While animal therapy may help reduce everyday stress and improve workplace atmosphere, MHFR training helps organisations prepare for situations involving more serious emotional distress, burnout, anxiety, or mental health crises.
Together, they contribute to a healthier and more psychologically safe workplace culture.
What Employers Can Learn From NHS Animal Therapy Programmes
The success of NHS animal-assisted programmes highlights something many organisations overlook: people communicate more openly when they feel emotionally safe.
Therapy animals often help reduce emotional barriers in healthcare environments. Patients may feel calmer, less judged, and more comfortable engaging with staff when animals are present.
The same principle applies in workplaces.
Employees are more likely to discuss stress, pressure, or mental health concerns when workplace culture feels supportive rather than clinical or intimidating.
This does not mean every office needs a permanent therapy dog.
But it does suggest that organisations should think carefully about how workplace environments influence emotional wellbeing.
Sometimes improving workplace mental health is not about adding more corporate wellbeing programmes.
Sometimes it is about making workplaces feel more human.
The Future of Animal Therapy at Work
As conversations around employee wellbeing continue to evolve, animal therapy is likely to become more common within workplace wellbeing strategies.
Some organisations may introduce pet-friendly office policies. Others may run therapy animal wellbeing events during high-stress periods. Many will continue exploring new ways to reduce workplace stress and improve employee connection.
However, the most effective organisations will understand that animal therapy works best when combined with broader mental health strategies.
That includes:
- Supportive leadership
- Stress risk management
- Open workplace conversations
- Mental health awareness
- Mental Health First Responder training
- Clear support pathways for employees
Because while dogs may help create calmer workplaces, sustainable workplace mental health still depends on how organisations support people when challenges become serious.
And sometimes, the first step towards a healthier workplace starts with something surprisingly simple: a wagging tail walking through the office door. 🐶