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. The human relationship with animals can be useful and relatively safe for inpatients with various problems. Moreover, the implementation of security precautions and the careful selection of patients should minimize the risks, particularly those infection-related.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Feldman et al. conclude by suggesting that research can help determine how to impact the greatest number of people in need and implement interactions already utilized in current practice [170]. When research and practice complement each other, we can drive public policy change, especially when the information pipeline is established and key parties are constantly informed. Quantitatively, the presence of a service dog may increase the number of activities spouses are involved in and promote a higher amount of positive emotions (42, 43). Qualitatively, service dogs may promote resilience in military families (39, 41). This “bridge” helps to promote resilience in navigating challenges both as individuals and couples (39).

Where Animal Therapy Is Offered

However, to best uphold animal welfare, the “goodness of fit” model should be utilized to appropriately mesh the animal’s temperament or personality with the demands [119]. This standard of practice requires premeditated thought, planning, and prioritization of animal welfare. While some of the earliest uses of animals to improve the health of people were farm animals, modern studies most often use dogs, then companion horses [70,71,72], and, to a lesser extent, cats [43,73]. Within the last three decades, other species have been used, including fish [23,62,74,75], birds [76], guinea pigs [47], and reptiles [77]. There is now growing literature on the use of robots that resemble and behave like animals [78,79,80,81].

What are the risks of pet therapy?

The current state of AAI research will be scrutinized, and the areas that warrant further study will be recommended. Special attention will be given to the current state of animal welfare in AAI, the research that has been done in the area, and practice guidelines that safeguard animal wellbeing. This article will then discuss how evidence-based research and animal welfare guidelines inform the development of comprehensive professional standards and influence changes in public policy regarding AAI. The authors’ perceptions for the field’s future trajectory will be presented, which will include solutions to move the field in the direction that best advances the human-animal bond in research, practice, and public perception. In conclusion, AAT or AAA for hospitalized patients seem useful and safe for a wide range of diseases. However, many aspects remained unclear, in particular regarding the type of intervention, safety, economic issues and diseases that would greatly benefit of these programs.

1. If you’re interested in trying animal-assisted therapy, having a conversation with a doctor or mental health specialist is a good place to start.
2. This article will then discuss how evidence-based research and animal welfare guidelines inform the development of comprehensive professional standards and influence changes in public policy regarding AAI.
3. The relationship with the animals can be extremely useful for these patients especially focusing on communication and social behaviours [7], [11], [28].
4. The animal, in this sense, works as an anchor to keep us safe at harbor while exploring stormy seas.
5. The current literature suggests improvements to interpersonal relationships such as reduced relationship problems, improved relationship quality and improved communication (40).
6. In conclusion, AAT or AAA for hospitalized patients seem useful and safe for a wide range of diseases.

Pet Partners, formally known as the Delta Society, is one of the oldest therapy animal certification organizations in the United States. It goes into detail concerning the psychology behind the human–animal bond by highlighting different topics such as animal ethics regarding world views and cultural dynamics. Underneath this parent category, we find animal-assisted activities, animal-assisted education, and animal-assisted therapy. This article does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors. Three investigators (EC, GP and GV) independently conducted a first literature search, sorting sources by title and abstract. Finally, the researchers independently assessed the articles considering the criteria enunciated above.

Studies involving the use of therapy horses and dogs have shown that animal therapy might also help alleviate the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The most common type of animal used for animal therapy is a dog but other animals can be a therapy animal, too. Some types of animals are used more often because they’re compatibile with services provided. However, people who are afraid of animals or who don’t like them may not be a good fit for animal therapy. The experience could cause additional stress that outweighs the potential benefits.

As the field continues to evolve and more disciplines become involved in the movement, there is a need for more clarity about the AAI spectrum and the requirements for practitioners to best implement these services. The International Association of Human–Animal Interaction Organizations (IAHAIO) published a white paper titled, “The IAHAIO Definitions for Animal Assisted Activity and Guidelines for Wellness of Animals Involved” in March 2013. The “Task Force was established and charged with the responsibility of clarifying and making recommendations on AAI and AAA terminologies and definitions and outlining ethical practices for the wellbeing of animals involved” [148].

Children with neurological differences, such as autism, often perform better in their language and social therapies when they have an animal to interact with. The presence of an animal can create spontaneous communication in situations where a child might otherwise choose not to communicate. They often relate better to animals than humans, how to avoid a relapse when things seem out of control and therapists can incorporate the animal into the therapy session to improve communication and engagement. For children with anxiety and hyperactivity disorders, the animal can help calm or focus the child, so they will work hard in therapy sessions. Some patients have mental health blocks that make therapy and treatment more difficult.

The first is that most of the clinical trials on the effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy are so methodologically flawed that their conclusions cannot be trusted. In a recent article in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, investigators led by Michael Anestis of the University of Southern Mississippi analyzed all of the published clinical trials on equine-assisted therapy. They found that in 12 of the 14 studies the sample sizes were too small to produce reliable results, and 8 of the studies also lacked no-treatment control groups. In only one of the trials were subjects randomly assigned to treatment conditions, and none of them controlled for the effects of simply being exposed to a new experience or for unconscious bias on the part of the researchers. Based on these problems, Anestis’ team recommended that equine therapy be put on hold until well-designed studies demonstrate its effectiveness. To a great extent, the successful outcome of your treatment episode depends on the strength and quality of your therapeutic relationship.

Indeed, in accordance with previous reviews [4], [15], the previous cited findings are limited by the overall low quality of the retrieved studies. Moreover, most of the included papers presented limited samples that could affect the overall results. Therefore, more studies are required to completely describe alcohol and weed the potential effects of AAI. In fact, some studies lacked of a control group [7], [14], [20], [33], while others were pilot studies considering limited samples [10], [11], [21]. Moreover, some papers lacked details of randomization [26], [33] or considered only parents or patients opinions [7], [8], [36].

In object-relations theory, we think of the psyche in relation to others in the childhood environment and of how those early relationships affect the client today. It postulates that the need for attachment is the foundational process of the formation of the self and our personality. Although we are unsure exactly how or why AAT works at a psychological level, currently clinicians often use attachment theory, object-relations theory, or a self psychology model as a basis to understand AAT.

In the 1970s, Samuel Corson and Elizabeth O’Leary Corson were some of the first researchers to empirically study canine-assisted interventions at Ohio State University. Their findings revolved around what they initially witnessed with patients from Upham Hall Psychiatric Hospital when dogs were integrated into their daily programming [9]. The Corsons happened to have a group of dogs in a kennel nearby primarily used to study stress on dogs. Like Levinson, they inadvertently discovered that some of their patients with psychiatric disorders were interested in the dogs, including one patient who was also selectively mute. The Corsons discovered that interactions with the dogs made it easier for the patients to communicate with each other and the staff [10].

The type of animal chosen depends on the therapeutic goals of a person’s treatment plan. Although there are no set standards covering all animal-assisted therapy, some therapists will belong to organisations that have specific ethical or training requirements. For example, Sarah has signed up to Social Farms and Gardens’ code of practice, which has robust requirements of its members. She’s also on a new register for equine assisted therapy practitioners called The Human-Equine Interaction Register (HEIR), which is run by Horses in Therapy and Education International (HETI). Tracie is advanced certified through the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) and abides by their code of ethics and standards.

It is the authors’ opinions that these are the most current definitions and should be utilized for the clarification of the definition of various aspects of AAI. Initially, the field of HAI was supported primarily with rich anecdotal evidence. Although valuable as qualitative information, the field needed more substantial, evidence-based research that demonstrated its impact and efficacy in order to move the field forward and gain a more respected status.

One psychologist thought he met the criteria for oppositional defiant disorder; another, citing Jay’s aggressive outbursts, opted for conduct disorder. Some people may not enjoy animal therapy or have other reasons to avoid it, and they can choose from alternative therapies. It is important to note that a therapy dog is not the same as a service dog and does not have all of the same rights. For example, a therapy dog cannot accompany a handler into a business establishment.

The final day of the workshop included practical training on integrating animals into therapy sessions, featuring trained animals that are qualified by a specialized companies. Only one study reported findings related to the experience of military children. This mirrors the general military family intervention literature, which also has limited studies on the experience of children in comparison to other family members (21). Given that children in military families can experience unique challenges and concerns, this is an important area for future exploration. The overarching research question guiding this review was, “What are the effects of AAIs on wellbeing of military family members?

Studies have shown animal-assisted psychotherapy also has a positive impact on aging individuals and the elderly. AAT can be especially effective for people who used to have dogs or other animals but are no longer able to care for their own animal. Being in the presence of pets again can help remind people of the love they had for previous animals, stirring memories and reducing loneliness. Animal therapy involves regular sessions with professionally trained animals and their handlers.

Studies that evaluate the benefits of AAT generally do not include evidence gathered from this particular population. Unlike service dogs, animal-assisted therapy animals don’t receive person-specific training. However, they should have basic training and socialization to stay calm and manageable. AAT enthusiasts will be happy to learn that the overwhelming majority of published studies have reported that animals make excellent therapists.

Another major concern was the acceptance of AAI programs among healthcare professional. However, all studies considering this issue identified a general acceptance by the staff [22], [34], [36]. Lefebvre et al. conducted a cross-sectional how to smoke moon rocks survey in the Ontario hospitals in order to assess the presence and characteristics of Canine Visitation Programs for inpatients. Moreover, the authors interviewed the dog handlers regarding the health protocols for AAA.