Mankind has had relationships with animals since early history, as stock animals but also as hunting partners and pets. Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) involves the use of trained animals, such as dogs, cats, horses, and even dolphins, to improve mental and health in individuals. Aging adults often face depression and anxiety, as a consequence of other health problems in addition to a continuing mental health diagnosis. AAT reduces anxiety, stress, sleep disturbances, and even problems with memory and concentration in socially detached aging individuals, with or without mental health issues. In those with mental illness diagnoses, AAT reduces symptoms and can even increase endorphins and dopamine, “feel good” substances in the brain. There has been research that shows that the survival rate of one-year post myocardial infarction patients is significantly higher in persons with pets. Aging people with various health conditions benefit from having pets or receiving AAT. People with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, mental illnesses such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression, as well as cancer and other health issues, are helped by AAT. There are even robotic creatures developed for those who can’t have pets of their own or are unable to care for them. These are expensive, but sometimes used in institutional settings; they provide companionship, comfort and emotional support. Animal-assisted therapy has the potential, with the number of robotic alternatives and the increasing number of animal agents of AAT, to improve the well-being of aging persons suffering from mental health issues.