Animal-assisted Therapy Website Links For
Therapy
 

Information About

Animal-assisted Therapy




Many kinds of animals are used in therapy, including Dog s, Cat s, Bird s, Dolphin s, Rabbit s, Lizard s, and other small animals. AAT with Horse s is known specifically as equine-assisted therapy or Therapeutic Horseback Riding .


BENEFITS

People who have Pet s benefit in various ways, for example, the comfort of physical contact with animals, reducing Loneliness , and increased opportunities for meeting others, via the pets. In addition, caring for pets encourages nurturance, responsibility, and adherence to a daily schedule.


Physical



Mental

A 2007 Meta-analysis found that animal-assisted therapy is associated with moderate effect sizes in improving outcomes in Autism Spectrum symptoms, medical difficulties, behavioral problems, and emotional well-being.1

  • Increase verbal interactions between group members.

  • Increase attention skills (i.e., paying attention, staying on task).

  • Develop leisure/ Recreation skills.

  • Increase Self-esteem .

  • Reduce Anxiety .

  • Reduce loneliness.



Educational

  • Increase Vocabulary .

  • Aid in long- or short-term Memory .

  • Improve knowledge of concepts, such as size, color, etc.



Motivational

  • Improve willingness to be involved in a group activity.

  • Improve interactions with others.

  • Improve interactions with staff.



REFERENCES






FURTHER READING



  • Howie, Ann R., (2000). ''The Human-Animal Health Connection Pet Partners Team Training Course Manual'' 5th Ed. Delta Society, Renton, WA.



EXTERNAL LINKS