Animal-assisted programs bring people and trained animals together, through therapy dog visits, equine mindfulness sessions and volunteer shifts at a rescue barn. Most are social and recreational rather than clinical, which is where an LSA fits. Employers include them because they give employees, especially remote ones, a low-pressure way to spend time with other people and with animals.
Why employees look for animal-assisted programs
Remote employees who live alone, especially those whose leases rule out a pet, often say time with animals is what they miss most. Parents look for events their kids can come to as well. Employees who find typical social events draining sometimes find it easier to meet people when an animal gives everyone something to talk about. And employees who want to volunteer with their own dog use certification programs to give back while getting out of the house regularly. Many employers pair it with broader programs, such as holistic employee wellbeing.
Animal-assisted activities an LSA may cover
Plans that include this category tend to focus on group and recreational experiences. Examples:
- Equine-assisted mindfulness or groundwork sessions at a stable
- Therapy dog meetups and stress relief events
- Farm sanctuary visits and animal care workshops
- Cat cafe visits or goat yoga classes
- Group hikes organized by animal rescue groups
- Training fees to certify the employee's own dog as a therapy animal
- Membership in a therapy animal volunteer organization
For the wider list of categories employers tend to include, see our guide to LSA eligible expenses.
Clinical care and other boundaries
- Animal-assisted therapy delivered by a licensed mental health professional is clinical care, so it usually belongs with the health plan, HSA, FSA or EAP.
- Buying, feeding or caring for a household pet generally falls under a separate pet care category, if the plan has one.
- Costs tied to service animals or emotional support animal documentation are typically excluded from social wellbeing categories.
- Donations to animal shelters aren't reimbursable, even when made during an event.
- Travel to distant retreats may be capped or excluded, depending on how the employer treats travel.
Setting up an animal-assisted program category
Separate social from clinical
Describe the category as recreational and social activities with animals. Point employees who want therapy with a licensed clinician to the EAP or health plan.
Decide where it sits
These programs can live under social or emotional wellbeing. Pick one, and keep pet ownership costs in their own category so claims don't blur together.
Ask for event details on receipts
Many providers are small farms or nonprofits. A receipt that names the activity and date keeps approval simple.
Frequently asked questions
Can an LSA pay for pet therapy or animal-assisted programs?
Many plans allow recreational and social programs with animals, like equine mindfulness sessions or therapy dog events. Therapy led by a licensed clinician is different and usually falls under the health plan, HSA, FSA or EAP. Your employer's plan decides which side of that line each program sits on.
Is goat yoga a fitness expense or a social one?
It could fall under either, depending on how your employer organizes categories. If both are in your plan, it may not matter much, but it's worth checking which one has money left.
Can I use the funds to train my dog as a therapy animal?
Some employers allow certification and training fees when the goal is volunteering. Others treat any dog training as pet care, so check how your plan words it.
Does this cover an emotional support animal?
Generally no. Costs related to emotional support or service animals tend to involve medical documentation and sit outside an LSA.
LSA funds are generally treated as taxable income. Learn more about how LSA reimbursements are taxed.
This content is general information, not medical, legal, tax, or financial advice. Employer plan terms determine eligibility, and requirements may vary by location.
