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National Therapy Animal Day

It's National Therapy Animal Day - a paw-some day to recognize and honor the impact our furry friends have on our mental health and well-being.

Friday

April 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEApril 30

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYAnimal Welfare

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate the amazing animals who bring comfort and joy to those in need on National Therapy Animal Day on April 30! This special day was first recognized in 1992 by the American Veterinary Medical Association to honor the important role of therapy animals in providing emotional support and healing. These incredible animals, including dogs, cats, horses, and even llamas, make a huge impact on people's lives by offering unconditional love and companionship. So let's take a moment to appreciate these furry heroes and all they do for us!

TIMELINE

National Therapy Animal Day Timeline

Early Use of Therapy Animals

In the 1800s, Florence Nightingale documented the use of small pets contributing to the recovery of mentally ill patients.

Animal-Assisted Therapy in World War I

During World War I, animals were used to comfort wounded soldiers in hospitals, marking one of the first large scale uses of therapy animals.

Establishment of Delta Society

The Delta Society, now known as Pet Partners, was founded to research the effects of animals on human health and well-being.

Recognition by The American Medical Association

The American Medical Association recognized pet therapy as beneficial and a legitimate field of medicinal treatment.

First National Therapy Animal Day

The American Veterinary Medical Association recognized April 30 as National Therapy Animal Day, celebrating the important role these animals play in emotional support and healing.

Expansion of Therapy Animal Types

The types of animals used in therapy expanded to include not only dogs and cats, but also horses, llamas, rabbits, guinea pigs, and even birds.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Therapy Animal Day

Volunteer with therapy animals

Spend National Therapy Animal Day giving back by volunteering at a local organization that provides therapy animals to those in need. You could assist with animal training, visit hospitals or nursing homes with the animals, or help with fundraising events.

HOST

Host a therapy animal party

Gather your friends and family and celebrate National Therapy Animal Day by hosting a party where therapy animals are the guests of honor. You could have a petting zoo, organize animal-themed games and activities, and raise awareness about the benefits of therapy animals.

Share your own story

If you or someone you know has been positively impacted by a therapy animal, share your story on social media using #NationalTherapyAnimalDay. This is a great way to spread awareness about the important role these animals play in people's lives.

TAKE

Take a therapy animal for a walk

If you have your own therapy animal, take them for a walk on National Therapy Animal Day to show them some extra love and appreciation. You could also invite friends and family to join you and make it a group activity.

DONATE

Donate to a therapy animal organization

Consider making a donation to a therapy animal organization in honor of National Therapy Animal Day. This will help support their efforts in providing animals to those in need of emotional support and companionship.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Therapy Animal Day

It's a reminder of the unconditional love from animals

Therapy animals show us what true unconditional love looks like - they don't judge, discriminate, or hold grudges. They simply offer their love and support without expecting anything in return. National Therapy Animal Day is a great reminder of the special bond between animals and humans.

It celebrates the amazing work of therapy animals

National Therapy Animal Day is a day to honor and recognize all the hard work and love that therapy animals provide to those in need. These special animals bring joy, comfort, and healing to countless people every day.

It raises awareness for animal-assisted therapy

Many people may not be aware of the benefits of animal-assisted therapy or how it can positively impact individuals with various physical, emotional, or mental health needs. National Therapy Animal Day sheds light on this valuable form of therapy and its importance in our communities.

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