They get more credit than they deserve. The evidence that they provide any substantial benefit is nonexistent. The benefits studies show is short term and with low levels of stress. There was a big deal decades ago about the "health benefits" of pets that modern research completely negated. Of course, with "emotion support animals" and the general popularity of pets (dogs in particular) these days, "studies" heralding the health benefits of pets are on the rise again. Therapy dogs are right up there with "gluten free" as far as real health benefits go - nothing but a fad spurred on by stupidity.
Gluten free sure is useful if you have Coeliac disease. And a therapy dog, in my case, was very useful when I wasn't allowed to go to school for fear of getting a cold and dying.
Yeah and therapy dogs aren’t the same as ESAs. Therapy dogs are bred and trained from birth to help people with specific pathologies whereas emotional support animals are certified over the phone. Not to say that all ESAs are not legit, but all therapy dogs definitely are
Source: I worked with Guide Dogs for the Blind for 3 years and hold a medical degree
Source: I worked with Guide Dogs for the Blind for 3 years and hold a medical degree