From Dogs to Robots: Pet-Assisted Interventions for Depression in Older Adults-A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized...

Background/Objectives: Late-life depression is prevalent yet frequently underdiagnosed, underscoring the need for accessible and safe non-pharmacological approaches. Pet-assisted interventions, including live animal-assisted therapy and robotic pets, have gained attention, but their comparative effectiveness remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate and rank different pet-assisted approaches for reducing depressive symptoms in older adults using network meta-analysis. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library up to August 2025 for randomized controlled trials involving adults aged 60 years or older with depression. The protocol was prospectively registered on INPLASY (INPLASY2025100023). Depression severity, assessed using validated scales, was synthesized using a frequentist random-effects network meta-analysis framework. Results: Twenty trials involving 1073 participants were included. Live animal-assisted therapy produced the greatest reduction in depressive symptoms versus passive control (SMD -2.04; 95% CI -3.03 to -1.04). Combining it with gait training (structured walking-based activity conducted with the animal) was associated with a reduction in depressive symptoms (SMD -4.82; 95% CI -6.69 to -2.95). Robotic pets showed a directionally beneficial but non-significant effect (SMD -1.21; 95% CI -2.79 to 0.38). Conclusions: Pet-assisted interventions are effective in reducing depressive symptoms among older adults. Live animal-assisted therapy, particularly when delivered in structured or combined formats, shows the greater benefit. Robotic pets may serve as a practical alternative when live animals cannot be implemented.