Animal-Assisted Therapy Gains Traction in Singapore’s Mental Health Care

In Singapore, animal-assisted therapy is transforming mental health care for individuals facing various challenges. Nineteen-year-old Kwok Wei Hao is one such individual, living with Angelman syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that impairs movement and speech. While interacting with people can be difficult for him, he finds solace in the presence of horses. Riding not only provides companionship but also aids in his physical development, enhancing his motor skills and balance. This therapy is part of a burgeoning field known as animal-assisted intervention, which employs trained animals to help manage stress, trauma, and anxiety.

Healing Horses Singapore has been at the forefront of this movement for over eleven years, offering therapeutic horse riding services. Over the past two years, the organization has witnessed a remarkable 70 percent increase in demand, attributed largely to a growing awareness of mental health issues. According to Chithra Rogers, the organization’s director, “It’s not like a regular therapy in an indoor setting. We are always outdoors interacting with animals.” She noted that children, even those with aggressive behaviors, often display calmness when engaging with horses. Each horse is trained to handle sudden movements or emotional outbursts, ensuring a safe environment for all participants.

While the benefits of animal-assisted therapy are evident, some parents express concerns over safety, particularly for children who may be difficult to manage. To mitigate these worries, each therapy session is supervised by a team of three to four trained staff members, ensuring a supportive atmosphere.

The Global Rise of Pet Therapy

The global pet therapy market is projected to grow from S$331 million (US$256 million) in 2024 to S$477 million by 2030. This expansion is driven by heightened awareness of mental health and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Across Asia, more hospitals and social service agencies are adopting animal-assisted programs as complementary therapies. For instance, in Japan, these therapies gained traction during the pandemic as a response to rising social isolation. In South Korea, therapy dogs have been effectively utilized to aid patients suffering from dementia and other cognitive conditions.

In Singapore, a 2015 study demonstrated that animal therapy significantly alleviates symptoms of depression, lowering stress hormones like cortisol while increasing mood-enhancing chemicals such as dopamine. One initiative, called “Haydays with Horses,” has brought miniature horses to nursing homes and active aging centers, positively impacting the mental and physical well-being of seniors. Over the past year, more than 820 individuals benefited from animal-assisted programs offered by the social enterprise Equal, marking a nearly 14 percent increase within just 12 months.

Challenges Faced by Animal Therapy Organizations

Despite the increasing demand for services like those offered by Healing Horses, the organization faces significant challenges, particularly regarding space constraints. Currently operating from the National Equestrian Centre, the social enterprise is still in search of a permanent facility while contending with rising rents. Additionally, securing funding to expand outreach to lower-income families remains a priority. Clients like Wei Hao, who previously participated in therapy sessions up to three times a week, have had to halt their visits due to financial limitations. His family hopes to resume his therapy as soon as funding becomes available.

The non-profit organization Dogtors faces a different set of challenges. Utilizing a network of about 65 therapy dogs to provide comfort and companionship, the organization has seen a 20 percent growth in demand since its inception in 2022. Founder Adele Lau noted that while funding has improved, some venues are not welcoming to therapy dogs. Handlers occasionally encounter negative reactions from the public, complicating their efforts to deliver effective therapy.

There are also prevalent misconceptions surrounding therapy animals. Many people assume that any dog can perform therapy work or that such sessions simply involve “playing with dogs.” In reality, each program is carefully tailored to meet the therapeutic goals of clients, and handlers must be trained to recognize signs of stress in the animals. For instance, handlers are encouraged to avoid allowing seniors to hold small dogs, as this can cause discomfort for the animals. Instead, alternative approaches, such as placing the dog on a chair, are recommended to ensure both the animal’s and client’s well-being.

Mental health experts highlight the supportive role that trained animals can play in conjunction with traditional therapeutic approaches. Christine Chiew, senior head of youth services at the Singapore Association for Mental Health, explains that conventional therapy can often be overwhelming, particularly for young people. The non-judgmental nature of animals helps create a more comfortable environment for youth to express themselves. With many adolescents finding face-to-face interactions challenging in today’s digital age, animal-assisted programs offer an alternative means to rebuild social skills and strengthen family bonds, benefiting overall mental wellness for those both in and out of therapy.

As the field of animal-assisted therapy continues to grow, it offers promising avenues for individuals navigating mental health challenges in Singapore and beyond.