Is the healing power of animals just a feeling, or is there a measurable biological process at work? Join Dr. Esther Adams as she explores the fascinating neurobiology of the human-animal bond. This episode uncovers the hard science behind the therapy, revealing how interactions with animals trigger the release of oxytocin—the “social bonding hormone”—and regulate the body’s core stress-response system, the HPA axis. Tune in to understand the concrete, scientific evidence that validates animal-assisted therapy and explains how it creates lasting physiological change.