title: The Benefits of Contact with Animals for People with Down Syndrome
description: Discover the therapeutic and emotional benefits of contact with animals for people with Down syndrome: animal mediation, equine therapy, animal-assisted therapy, effects on motor, social, and emotional development.
keywords: animals Down syndrome, animal mediation Down syndrome, equine therapy Down syndrome, animal-assisted therapy disability, benefits animals Down syndrome, animal-assisted therapy Down syndrome
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Down syndrome, animals, animal mediation, equine therapy, animal-assisted therapy, therapy, benefits, development
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Reading time: 18 minutes
"My son is transformed when he pets our dog." "She talks much more when she is with animals." "Equine therapy changed his life." "Can animals really help?" "What are the concrete benefits?"
Contact with animals has a remarkable effect on people with Down syndrome. Whether it is a pet at home, supervised animal mediation sessions, or equine therapy, the benefits are numerous: emotional calming, improvement in communication, motor development, sensory stimulation, self-confidence.
Why do animals have this power? How can we take advantage of it? What activities to choose? This guide explores the therapeutic and practical benefits of animal contact for people with Down syndrome.
Table of Contents
2. Different forms of animal contact
4. Having a pet
Why do animals do good? {#pourquoi}
1. Absence of judgment
Animals have no prejudices.
They do not judge appearance, disability, or language level.
Unconditional acceptance: The person with Down syndrome feels accepted as they are.
Self-esteem is strengthened.
2. Non-verbal communication
Animals communicate through body, gestures, and looks.
No pressure of language: Ideal for people with language difficulties.
Intuitive communication, natural.
3. Sensory stimulation
Touch (petting fur), sight (observing the animal), hearing (listening), smell.
Multi-sensory stimulation: Beneficial for development.
4. Motivation
Animals capture attention, motivate.
A child who does not want to walk will walk to see the horse.
A mute teenager will talk to the dog.
Powerful intrinsic motivation.
5. Calming
Petting an animal = calming effect (decrease in cortisol, the stress hormone).
Slowed heart rate, relaxation.
Reduces anxiety, agitation.
6. Empowerment
Taking care of an animal (feeding, brushing) develops autonomy, sense of responsibility.
Different forms of animal contact {#formes}
1. Pet at home
Dog, cat, rabbit, guinea pig, fish, bird...
Daily contact, strong emotional bond.
Advantage: Free (after purchase), accessible to all.
2. Visits to educational farms
Farms open to the public: Petting farm animals (goats, sheep, chickens).
Occasional outings (weekends, holidays).
3. Animal mediation / Animal-assisted therapy (professional)
Supervised sessions by trained professionals (animal therapists, educators, psychologists).
Trained animals (dogs, rabbits, horses).
Specific therapeutic goals (language, motor skills, socialization).
4. Equine therapy / Hippotherapy
Therapy with the horse.
Individual sessions or in small groups.
Goals: Motor skills, balance, self-confidence, communication.
5. Dolphin-assisted therapy (rare, expensive)
Contact with dolphins in a pool.
Very costly, not easily accessible (specialized centers, often abroad).
Effectiveness debated, but positive testimonials.
Observed benefits {#benefices}
Motor development
Equine therapy:
- Strengthens muscle tone (holding on the horse, adjusting posture)
- Improves balance (horse movements engage deep muscles)
- Coordination (guiding the horse, holding the reins)
- Fine motor skills (holding the brush, precise gestures)
- Hand-eye coordination
Brushing an animal:
Throwing a ball to the dog:
Language development
Talking to the animal, naming it, describing what one is doing:
"Come here, Rex!" "I am brushing you."
Stimulation of oral language (without pressure, natural context).
Testimonials:
"My son talks much more since we got the dog. He tells him about his day!"
Social and emotional development
Empathy:
Taking care of an animal = understanding its needs, its emotions.
Emotion management:
Petting an animal calms, soothes crises.
Self-confidence:
"I can ride a horse!" Immense pride.
Socialization:
Talking about animals with others (at school, with friends): Conversation topic.
Reduction of stress and anxiety
Calming effect of animal contact (scientifically proven).
Decrease in cortisol (stress hormone), release of oxytocin (well-being hormone).
Useful for anxious, hyperactive individuals with Down syndrome.
Improvement of attention and concentration
Observing an animal, taking care of it requires sustained attention.
Stimulates concentration (without excessive cognitive pressure).
Development of autonomy
Daily tasks: Feeding the animal, filling its water bowl, brushing.
Empowerment, structuring routine.
Having a pet {#animal-compagnie}
Which animal to choose?
Depends on:
Recommendations by animal:
Dog:
Cat:
Rabbit, guinea pig:
Fish:
Birds:
Involve the person with Down syndrome
Choose together the animal (if understanding abilities allow).
Prepare for the arrival: Explain, show pictures.
Adapted responsibilities:
Everyday benefits
Structured routine
Feeding the animal = time marker.
Affection
Daily cuddles, calming.
Conversation topic
"My dog did this today!"
Professional animal mediation {#mediation}
What is animal mediation?
Animal-assisted interventions (AAI): Therapeutic, educational, or recreational sessions with animals.
Supervised by trained professionals (animal therapists, educators, psychologists).
Trained animals: Dogs, horses, rabbits, goats, donkeys...
Equine therapy
Therapy with the horse.
Sessions: 30-60 min, weekly.
Activities:
Specific benefits:
Cost: 40-70€/session (rarely reimbursed, unless in a contracted facility).
Finding a center: National Federation Handi Cheval, online directories.
Animal-assisted therapy (dogs, rabbits...)
Sessions with smaller animals.
Activities:
Benefits:
Cost: 40-60€/session (varies by facility).
Therapeutic farms
Farms that welcome people with disabilities.
Activities:
Benefits:
Precautions and contraindications {#precautions}
Allergies
Check before adopting an animal (allergy test if in doubt).
Allergies to fur (dogs, cats, rabbits) = Contraindication.
Alternative: Fish, reptiles (no fur).
Fear of animals
If phobia, do not force.
Gradual desensitization possible (with professional support).
Start with small animals (rabbit, guinea pig), then larger if accepted.
Risk of bites/scratches
Unpredictable animals (even the gentlest).
Supervision necessary (especially for young children).
Learn the right gestures: Do not pull ears/tail, do not disturb the animal when it is eating/sleeping.
Hygiene
Wash hands after contact (especially before meals).
Worm, vaccinate the animal regularly.
Cost
Pet = cost:
Annual budget: 500-1500€ depending on the animal.
Ensure you can afford it financially.
Long-term commitment
An animal lives 10-20 years (dog, cat).
Responsibility over time.
Ensure capacity (time, energy, finances) before adopting.
Testimonials
Sophie, mother of Lucas, 8 years old
"We adopted a Golden Retriever when Lucas was 5 years old. It was the best decision! Lucas talks to him, cuddles him, takes care of him (he fills his bowl). His language has improved. And the dog calms him when he is agitated. A true family member, and a furry therapist!"
Marc, father of Emma, 12 years old
"Emma has been doing equine therapy for 3 years. Her motor progress is incredible. She has gained balance, muscle tone. And above all, confidence. She is proud to ride a horse. It's worth every euro spent."
Caroline, mother of Théo, 7 years old
"We have two dwarf rabbits. Théo loves to pet them. It calms him immensely. When he is stressed, he goes to see them, pets them, and he calms down. For us, it's magical."
Conclusion: Animals, valuable allies
Contact with animals brings multiple and profound benefits to people with Down syndrome: calming, motor development, language stimulation, self-confidence, empowerment. Whether it is a pet at home, professional animal mediation sessions, or equine therapy, the effects are real, measurable, and often transformative.
The keys to benefiting from it:
1. Choose the right animal (dog, cat, rabbit, horse...)
2. Respect precautions (allergies, fear, supervision)
3. Involve the person (adapted responsibilities)
4. Consider professional mediation (equine therapy, animal-assisted therapy)
5. Observe the benefits (motor, language, emotional)
Animals do not judge, they welcome. They do not demand, they give. They are companions, therapists, friends. Give your loved one with Down syndrome this invaluable chance: the bond with the animal. You will see their eyes shine.
DYNSEO resources for comprehensive support:
Animals have this power: to transform hearts, calm minds, awaken souls. Let them into your loved one's life. The magic will happen.
