pet therapy overview

Pet Therapy, also known as Animal-assisted therapy (AAT), utilizes trained animals and handlers to achieve specific physical, social, cognitive, and emotional goals with patients and students. Animal-assisted activities utilize the animals in a less structured, non-goal driven environment.

Studies have shown that physical contact with a pet can lower high blood pressure, and improve survival rates for heart attack victims. There is also evidence that petting an animal can cause endorphins to be released. Endorphins are chemicals in the body that suppress the pain response. These are benefits that can be enjoyed from pet ownership, as well as from visiting therapeutic animals.

Many skills can be learned or improved with the assistance of a therapy animal. Patient rehabilitation can be encouraged by such activities as walking or running with a dog, or throwing objects for the animal to retrieve. Fine motor skills may be developed by petting, grooming, or feeding the animal. Patient communication is encouraged by the response of the animal to either verbal or physical commands. Activities such as writing or talking about the therapy animals or past pets also develop cognitive skills and communication. Creative inclusion of an animal in the life or therapy of a patient can make a major difference in the patient’s comfort, progress, and recovery.

Pet therapy/AAT does not involve just any pet interacting with a patient or child. Standards for the training of the volunteers and their animals are crucial in order to promote a safe, positive experience. Trained volunteers will understand how to work with other medical professionals, teachers, librarians and principals to set goals for the patient or student and keep records of progress. Animals that have been appropriately trained are well socialized to people, other animals, medical equipment and odors.