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Snakes Emerge as Surprising Therapy Animals

Dogs, cats, and other furry creatures have long dominated the therapy animal arena. While these creatures can be beneficial, there is no one-size-fits-all method or species. These fuzzy, excitable, and playful creatures can pose issues to those who already struggle with getting distracted or overwhelmed.

In an unconventional twist, snakes have begun slithering their way into the world of therapy animals. While this concept might appear new to most, Andrea Riberio has been using reptiles therapeutically for over a decade. Riberio specializes in treating those with anxiety, and various disabilities, as well as autistic individuals.

Her therapy center, located in Brazil, is an open-air space that contains more than just snakes. Patients can choose to connect with lizards, turtles, and a kind of Latin American native alligator called a Jacare. These animals are raised on-site and are never poisonous. While this treatment is not scientifically proven, Riberio states to Agence France-Presse that “it’s been medically demonstrated that when people come in contact with animals, it releases neurotransmitters such as serotonin and beta-endorphins that give a sense of pleasure and well-being.”

The calm and gentle nature of certain snake species, combined with their intriguing sensory qualities, has proven beneficial for individuals who choose to use this method for therapy. Typical therapy animals are furry and warm, reptiles tend to be cool, wet, and often heavy. This difference offers a unique opportunity for patients to fully immerse themselves into a new reptilian sensory world.

Source: The Dodo/YouTube

Another stark difference between mammals and reptiles in the therapy world is what the animal gets out of the interaction. While cats and dogs tend to seek attention, Riberio states that the reptiles are fairly “indifferent.”

Biologist Beatriz Araujo works closely with Ribeiro, ensuring the animals on site remain calm and safe. In the treatment center’s ten years of operation, there has been not one accident. Many people hold deep-seated fears or prejudices against reptiles, especially snakes which can hinder their acceptance as therapy animals and perpetuate violence against them. The gentle and non-aggressive behavior of therapy snakes needs to be recognized to dispel misconceptions and possibly expand the use of snake-assisted therapy in the future.

The simple coexistence of humans and reptiles in this facility is a testament to how beautiful it can be when living things, regardless of species, choose to connect peacefully for no reason other than to feel good.