What is Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT)?
Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a goal-directed intervention directed and/or delivered by a health or human service professional with specialized expertise and within the scope of his/her profession. It is goal directed, and designed specifically to meet the needs of particular clients in order to promote their physical, social, emotional, and/or cognitive functioning. Like any professional therapy, it must be carefully documented. However, just as in animal-assisted activities, the benefits for those involved can include increased rapport, outward focus, and socialization.
People participating in animal-assisted therapy can experience acceptance, empathy, mental stimulation, entertainment, and often a spiritual connection that may otherwise be lacking in their environment. They benefit from the physical contact and physiological effects of being with an animal, including decreased blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and stress hormone levels. They have an opportunity to express nurturing and care for another creature that they may not have had in their present situation.
People participating in animal-assisted therapy can experience acceptance, empathy, mental stimulation, entertainment, and often a spiritual connection that may otherwise be lacking in their environment. They benefit from the physical contact and physiological effects of being with an animal, including decreased blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and stress hormone levels. They have an opportunity to express nurturing and care for another creature that they may not have had in their present situation.
