寵物在人類日常生活中扮演著極重要角色，在歐美國家近十年間寵物治療在醫護工作中應用甚廣；治療者透過有系統、有計畫地應用寵物於醫療環境中，以促進人類身、心、社會及靈性各方面的健康，即為寵物治療。研究文獻顯示其不僅能抒解身體病痛、緩和焦躁情緒，甚而能改善人際互動關係。本文主旨介紹寵物治療的歷史發展背景、治療模式及近十年於歐美國家醫療領域中的運用狀況，亦藉由相關研究文獻查證，針對臨床護理、護理教育及護理研究提出建議，期盼護理人員能將此一治療方式融入傳統醫療照護業務中，並對未來提昇專業自主性及擴展專業角色功能有所助益。

　　　　　Animals pley an important role in human health and well-being. Over the past decade, pet therapy programs have been implemented in the US and in Europe at an ever-increasing rate. Wheu wred in a systematic and planed way in a medical environment, pet therapy can improve physical, mental, social and spirit ual health. Pet therapy not only has the effects of reducing physical pain and anxiety but also improves relationships. This article explores the concept of animal therapy and gives a brief history and the model of treatments. The discussion and suggestion include clinical nursing, nursing education, and nursing research. We hope that nursing staff can use animal therapy combined with traditional care and elevate nurses' professional role and function in the future.