5 Considerations for Including Pets in Online Therapy

Wondering if it’s a good idea or even appropriate to have your pet with you during online therapy sessions? Learn why it may be beneficial for clients but also has the possibility to cause harm.

Many of us have beloved pets that we cherish as part of our family. The sweet, fluffy, furry family dog, the ready-to-pounce at a moment’s notice but oh-so-loveable kitty, or perhaps even our pet snake whom we see as a comfy neck accessory. While we adore our animals and find them to be comforting companions that can calm our anxiety or lift our mood, is it the right decision to introduce them to our clients in the hopes that our pets will have the same effect on them? With teletherapy a major medium for psychotherapy now, many therapists find that their pets often make their way into their home offices.

Here are a few tips to consider before incorporating your pet into online therapy:

1. Consider each of your clients.

Only include your pet in online therapy if your clinical judgment allows that it is therapeutic and beneficial for your client. This may require establishing trust first in order to recognize your clients’ comfort levels. Consider each of your clients individually, and make your decision about whether to include your pet based on the following criteria:

2. Assess for trauma related to animals.

Do a thorough history with your clients, noting any history of trauma related to animals, including being bitten, scarred, or wounded. Note any recent history of loss of a beloved animal or even a family member connected to a pet. Use caution with clients who have a history of trauma or phobias related to animals. If your client has a negative association with animals, the presence of your pet might be triggering.

3. Ask for your client’s permission.

Ask if it is okay with your client if your pet makes an appearance during the session. Are they okay with your pet being in the room or on your lap during the session? Carefully note their response. If the client seems hesitant, sighs, shifts in their chair, or has a response indicating that their verbal response may be incongruent with their true reaction, it may be best not to introduce your pet.

4. Observe your client’s body language.

Pay close attention to your client’s body language in reaction to your pet. If they are smiling or making positive comments or associations with your pet, these are indicators that it is okay to have your pet visible (but not a distraction) during the session.

5. Remove your pet if they become a distraction.

Ultimately, the focus of every session should be on your client. Your pet should only be included if their presence helps to facilitate your client’s progress in therapy. If at any time you notice that your pet is pulling your attention away from your client, or your client seems distracted or agitated by the presence of your pet, inform your client that the pet is serving as a distraction and you have decided to remove them from the room.