When therapy comes with fur
From counseling centers to college campuses, therapy animals are playing a growing role in mental health care across China.
Future steps
At Genshine, Fangbiandai is no longer the center's only therapy animal. Zhang said they've introduced fish and frogs to meet the varying needs of the children.
Zhang is also leading research projects that integrate AAT practices with academic study. "We are collaborating with Shandong University to evaluate the emotional and therapeutic impact of AAT on children," he said.
Still, public understanding of AAT remains limited. To change this perception, Wu's team is working with medical institutions on research — one project has already been accepted by the Chinese Society of Psychiatry.
He also advocates for responsible pet ownership through community outreach, with the goal of introducing evidence-based therapy animal training to more public spaces.
"Some pet owners believe that training goes against a dog's instincts, but that's a misunderstanding," Wu explained. "Therapy dog training helps dogs adapt to real-world situations and public environments."
