Animal Welfare Professionals

My focus is on my favorite: horses!  but most are a bit big to be brought inside.  Fun fact: miniature horses are eligible to be service animals and DO come inside!

I am creating a set of activities to do with horses as part of self care and was struck with the question:
Is there someone who has created a similar list for smaller pets like dogs and cats?  I do know just sitting with my cat is very soothing and playing with the dogs encourage exercise.  Is there more - especially for mental health - that I am missing?

What a fantastic focus! Horses-especially miniature ones-are incredible for self-care, offering both emotional grounding and physical activity. It's great that you're creating structured activities with them!

For smaller pets, such as cats and dogs, there are indeed similar mental health-focused lists. Beyond just sitting or playing, things like structured bonding routines, sensory engagement, or outdoor adventures (sniff walks for dogs, enclosed "catio" time for cats) can deepen the therapeutic benefits. Animal-assisted therapy frameworks often include these for anxiety, depression, and stress relief.

Would love to see your horse self-care list when it's done-miniature horses as service animals are such a cool niche too! 

My focus is on my favorite: horses!  but most are a bit big to be brought inside.  Fun fact: miniature horses are eligible to be service animals and DO come inside!

I am creating a set of activities to do with horses as part of self care and was struck with the question:
Is there someone who has created a similar list for smaller pets like dogs and cats?  I do know just sitting with my cat is very soothing and playing with the dogs encourage exercise.  Is there more - especially for mental health - that I am missing?