Animal-Assisted Therapy

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) involves using trained animals to help people cope with or recover from illnesses. Specific goals of treatment are set before therapy starts. Animals are selected for AAT based on their friendliness and companionship.

AAT is used for anxiety. It is also used for pain, muscle strength, dementia, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) might help reduce stress and promote relaxation. This might reduce symptoms of stress-related conditions. AAT might also reduce feelings of isolation or loneliness.

AAT that involves physical touch might stimulate pleasure in the brain. This seems to promote relaxation and well-being. AAT might also work by distracting patients from pain and activating comforting thoughts.

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is LIKELY SAFE when used appropriately along with standard treatments. AAT should not be used in place of standard treatments.

Some people might be allergic to certain animals used in AAT. There have also been reports of animals used in AAT carrying diseases that have been transmitted to patients. Animals used for AAT should be always be screened by a veterinarian. In rare cases, people that have used equine therapy have fallen or hurt their back.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

The appropriate or safe use of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) depends on several factors such as the condition being treated or the person administering the treatment. Be sure to seek and follow relevant directions from your physician or other healthcare professional before using this treatment.

The basic purpose of AAT is to provide companionship. The most commonly used animals in pet therapy are dogs, which allow for the best level of interaction. However, cats, birds, fish, horses, and other animals have also been used for therapeutic purposes.

Animal-Assisted Activities (AAA), Animal-Assisted Education, Animal-Assisted Intervention (AAI), Animal-Facilitated Therapy, Animal Companionship, Animals In Human Therapy, Animal Visitation, Canine-Assisted Ambulation, Canine-Assisted Therapy, Canine Therapy, Canine Visitation Therapy (CVT), Companion Animal Therapy, Dog-Assisted Therapy, Dolphin-Assisted Therapy, Equine-Assisted Activity, Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies (EAAT), Equine-Assisted Therapy, Equine Therapy, Hippotherapy, Horse-Riding Therapy, Pet-Assisted Therapy, Pet-Facilitated Therapy, Pet Therapy, Psychoeducational Horseback Riding, Therapeutic Horseback Riding.

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