Pokhara, 19 June — Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is steadily gaining ground in China as a valuable tool in mental health care, offering emotional support to individuals across age groups and conditions. Once a relatively unfamiliar concept in Chinese psychological services, AAT is now being explored and embraced by professionals, volunteers, and academic institutions throughout the country.
At Genshine Psychology in Shandong province, a former stray cat named Fangbiandai has become a symbol of resilience and healing. Rescued in a plastic bag, from which he takes his name, Fangbiandai now helps children open up emotionally during therapy sessions. According to Zhang Jingxuan, the center’s director and chief physician, Fangbiandai’s presence creates a safe, judgment-free atmosphere that allows children to express themselves more freely. Since joining the center in March, the cat has participated in sessions with over 500 patients, offering comfort and connection that traditional therapy alone often struggles to establish.
Therapist Feng Jie, who works closely with Fangbiandai, explained that therapy animals can help children relax and build trust in ways that might take much longer in standard counseling settings. Their behavior around the animals can also provide valuable insight into their emotional needs.
Beyond Genshine, volunteer programs like Paw for Heal (PFH), founded by Wu Qi, have introduced therapy dogs to a wide range of institutions, including schools and care centers. PFH now has nearly 5,000 volunteers, with 500 certified therapy dog teams. Wu emphasizes that well-trained animals can help individuals recovering from trauma, especially children with autism, reconnect with the world and develop vital social skills.
Universities have also joined the movement. At Hubei University, “pet counseling stations” featuring cats, tortoises, and plants have been set up at all 27 colleges on campus. These spaces offer preventive mental health support and help reduce stigma by being open to all students. One example is the School of Philosophy’s tortoise “Xuanwu,” whose slow pace and calm demeanor have become a source of reflection and community bonding for students.
Although public understanding of AAT in China is still limited, efforts are underway to bridge the gap. Genshine Psychology is collaborating with Shandong University to study AAT’s impact, and Wu’s PFH team is working with medical institutions to produce evidence-based research. Both groups are advocating for responsible pet ownership and standardized training programs to promote the wider use of therapy animals.
As China continues to confront growing mental health needs, therapy animals like Fangbiandai and Xuanwu are emerging as powerful, nonverbal allies — offering comfort, connection, and a gentle reminder of the healing potential found in companionship.
