Animal-Assisted Therapy (2024)

FAQs

What is the success rate of animal-assisted therapy? ›

In studies conducted to assess the effect of the animal-assisted intervention (AAI) to improve the lives of those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, language and communication were evaluated in 43% of included studies. Among these, 75% reported significant improvements, while 25% did not.

-Theraputic intervention that incorporates animals (human-animal interaction) into the theraputic plan. -Used to enhance & complement the benefits of traditional therapy. -Dogs, cats, birds, horses, pigs. Animal Assisted Activities. -Involves mostly social visits with an animal.

Sanitation and hygiene. Possible allergies to certain animals, such as pet dander. The possibility of patient possessive behaviours (i.e. a reluctance to part with an animal at the end of a session) The possibility of attachment problems and grief reactions.

All of the studies found that AAT was effective. Indeed, children with autism who underwent AAT showed, in stat-speak, “statistically significant” improvements on 27 of the 30 outcomes measures. Other researchers have found similar patterns of results in their examination of animal-assisted therapy studies.

Evidence for animal assisted therapy appears strongest for markers of anxiety and depression in the widest range of people. The researchers note that the therapy may be beneficial for people from many different age groups with various conditions.

Regular visits with therapy animals can reduce the amount of medication some people need to manage medical conditions. Anxious patients experience slowed breathing, and interaction with welcoming animals actually boosts the immune system as well.

The Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a health intervention, meant to improve physical, social, emotional or cognitive functioning, with animals as integral part of the treatment [1]. The therapeutic use of animals was argued for decades and many associations employ this intervention in order to improve care.

Animals are able to make connections that people may not, and provide a judgement-free experience that may not be possible in human to human interaction. Animals can also provide a less traumatic means of physical touch, which is a common need for humans that can often be affected by prior abuse.

MULTIPLE HEALTHCARE DISCIPLINES

Evidence-based research of animal assisted therapy (AAT) extends across a multitude of helping professions, including psychophysiological and psychosocial healthcare and human service disciplines.

The most popular forms of alternative therapy include music therapy, art therapy, yoga therapy, and, of course, animal-assisted therapy. Alternative therapies are methods that haven't been (or have yet to be) proven effective through multiple peer-reviewed studies the way common evidence-based approaches have been.

Who invented animal-assisted therapy? ›

Until 1964, the terms 'therapy animals' or 'animal-assisted therapy' did not exist, and these terms were initially coined by the psychologist Dr. Boris Levinson [1]. His findings were instrumental in laying the groundwork for developing pet therapy as a form of treatment.

Animal-assisted interventions can improve self-esteem and confidence in people with dementia. It can also promote quality of life and encourage independence. If a person with dementia is having trouble communicating with others or having conversations, looking after a pet may help them to stay engaged and involved.

Pet therapy is also referred to as animal-assisted therapy (AAT). AAT is sometimes confused with animal-assisted activities (AAA). AAT is a formal, structured set of sessions that helps people reach specific goals in their treatment.

The field of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is continuously growing in popularity across the years. Animal-assisted therapy is being used in multiple areas and by multidisciplinary professionals throughout the world. AAT developed as a novel and unusual alternative therapy.

In turn, this stimulation can elicit physical and psychological effects such as lower blood pressure, reduced stress, and increased self esteem.

7 It has been shown that clients can experience a variety of benefit from equine-assisted psychotherapy, such as: Increased in self-esteem8 Increased in self-respect. Improved adjustment to routines and guidelines.

Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) may be beneficial for individuals with a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and trauma. However, it's important to work with a trained professional to determine if AAT is right for you.

Research shows that pets have many mental health benefits – including reducing stress, anxiety, and loneliness, and improving mood. According to a survey by the Human Animal Relations Research Institute (HABRI), 74% of pet owners said owning a pet improves their mental health.