When most people picture medical treatment, they may imagine white coats and sterile exam room. However, not every therapist carries a stethoscope and wears gloves. Some heal standing on four legs, wagging their tails, offering comfort that is not prescribed.

This is where animal assisted therapy enters the conversation. According to the National Library of Medicine, animal assisted therapy, also known as pet therapy, is a "therapeutic intervention that involves animals to enhance the well-being of individuals across various populations and settings." The who, what, where, when, and why behind the foundations of animal assisted therapy date back to 1796 at The York Retreat in England, where animals were first used to treat those with mental illnesses. Articles such as, The Fascinating History of Animal Assisted Therapy, detail the treatment process, and the introduction of animals into the world of medicine.

Focusing on today, the discussion around “pet therapy” has grown and now impacts individuals across the nation. Beyond institutions supporting patients, students have also taken an interest, as universities from coast to coast have begun implementing animal-assisted therapy programs.

Above is a map created using Google My Maps, identifying the top 13 institutions offering programs in Animal Assisted Therapy.. Source: https://datausa.io/profile/cip/animal-assisted-therapy#institutions

The Kopper Top Story

Located at 6657 Kimesville Road, in Liberty, North Carolina, is the residence of one leader in the animal assisted therapy industry, as well as the home of her organization, Kopper Top Life Learning Center . Deborah Meridith, founder and executive director of the Kopper Top, shares her passion for animals, but wanted to make a stronger impact on the community.

After going to school for a degree in biology, Meridith realized that she wanted her career to go in another direction. She ended up finding her path within the industry of recreational therapy. While a student in college, she worked diligently at a local farm, doing similar things to what she is currently doing with Kopper Top.

Deborah Meridith and one Kopper Top student talk after a day out training on the trails. *Photo Credit: Grace Stetler*

Deborah Meridith and one Kopper Top student talk after a day out training on the trails. *Photo Credit: Grace Stetler*

In 1990, Meridith's calling for making a difference began. She started to work closely with the Special Olympics, and although her dedication to the organization remained strong, after conversations with her family, she just wanted to do more. In 1998 Meridith quit her job, and with $300 in her pocket, found herself where she is today, the founder of Kopper Top.

To her, the definition of this type of therapy is simply "anything to do with an animal," Meridith said. "Because believe it or not, that is reliving stress and anxiety from you and you don't even know it."

For Meridith, the heart of animal-assisted therapy is easy to understand. “Animals were put on Earth for us to enjoy and love,” she said. “They help our communities and remind us what it means to care for one another. I really couldn’t live without them.”

Relationships, Resilience and Riding

Kopper Top’s story is one of transformation, especially for Marcus Daily and his mother, Sheila, who have felt its impact beyond anything they imagined.

For Marcus, he feels that his love for Kopper Top is more than just the competition and connection to the animals themselves. Rather it is about the community he has built and the friendships that have stuck with him with a bit of a love for winning some medals here and there. In the 2025 Piedmont Saddle Show, Marcus scored in multiple events, and even won a ribbon in one event for his performance.

Click below to hear Marcus share his love for the organization as a whole:

Marcus preparing to ride at the Piedmont Saddle show, where he would eventually place within his division. *Photo Credit: Grace Stetler*

Marcus preparing to ride at the Piedmont Saddle show, where he would eventually place within his division. *Photo Credit: Grace Stetler*

Marcus' mom, Sheila, praying before her son competes in the show. Photo Credit: Grace Stetler

Marcus' mom, Sheila, praying before her son competes in the show. Photo Credit: Grace Stetler

Above is a map created using Google My Maps, illustrating the various North Carolina animal assisted therapy institutions across the state. Source: Google Maps

A North Carolina Connection

Outside of the work Deborah Meridith and Kopper Top are doing, other North Carolina organizations are making their mark in the animal assisted therapy industry as well. Travel 33.3 miles west of Kopper Top, and you will find the office of Jodie Skoff and the University of North Carolina Health, "Tar Heal Paws" program. As per their website, Tar Heel Paws, is an "animal therapy program at UNC Health that offers support and companionship to patients, visitors, and staff."

Skoff, the volunteer coordinator at Tar Heel Paws, shared her enthusiasm for the program and the growth that has developed in ten years she has worked with the program. She reported that the growth was "huge on an anecdotal level." And on a national level, the growth has continued, especially within conferences that her and her team attend.

"At every conference there is always something abut dog therapy- it's just so popular nationally," Skoff said.

When asking her about the program within the UNC Health organization her excitement immediately grew. Within the UNC Health program, the Tar Heel Paws animal assisted therapy program has become the most popular among every organization. From programs that register individuals pets to become therapy dogs, to others that treat different patients in the hospital, the program is even impacting staff members.

"The stress level for staff that working in the medical field can bring is huge. This program even makes a difference for them which proves that relationships are huge and that this does matter."