Research is fairly clear that the presence of animals can have therapeutic effects.  I occasionally bring our young beagle-mix, Esther, into the office.  You should know this is you have severe dog allergies or a phobia.  Please let me know if this is the case, and I will try to make accommodations. See these articles as examples of how dogs and other animals can be used healing:

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/12/121221-comfort-dogs-newtown-tragedy-animal-therapy/

http://www.socialworkers.org/pubs/news/2014/10/animal-assisted-therapy.asp