About
Pet Therapy

Pet Therapy is a generic term used to describe Animal-Assisted Activities and Animal-Assisted Therapy.  Recently, these terms have been summarized with the term, Animal-Assisted Interventions.

Definition of AAT

Key Features of AAT are:

Examples of AAT

Definitons of AAA

Animal-Assisted Activities (AAA) provides opportunities for motivational, educational, recreational, and/or therapeutic benefits to enhance quality of life. AAA are delivered in a variety of environments by specially trained professionals, paraprofessionals, and/or volunteers, in association with animals that meet specific criteria.

Typically, animal-assisted activities are casual “meet and greet” activities that involve pets visiting people.  The same activity can be repeated with many people, unlike a therapy program that is tailored to a particular person or medical condition.  As an example of AAA – an individual brings their dog to a long-term care facility to visit the residents. Although the staff is involved in the visits, no treatment goals have been set for the visit. Aside from signing in and out, no records are kept.

Key Features of AAA are:

Examples of AAA

Note: This information is provided by Pet Partners®

Benefits of Pet Therapy

Human-animal interactions may provide the following benefits to adults and children in a variety of human care facilities:

Empathy

Identifying with and understanding the feelings and motives of another.

Studies report that children who live in homes in which a pet is considered a member of the family are more empathetic than children in homes without pets.

Children see animals as peers. It is easier to teach children to be empathetic with an animal than with a human. With animals, what you see is what you get. Humans are not as direct.

Case Studies:
Case Reserve University – https://thedaily.case.edu/study-therapy-dogs-reduce-childrens-fear-anxiety-during-dentist-appointments/?fbclid=IwAR0wzcXh5k-kYdzNKHbrhUAwe48SqsQMgSGd6pXoUYTFAqv4hr9hHBCCrGc
UCLA Health – https://www.uclahealth.org/pac/animal-assisted-therapy

Outward Focus

Bringing individuals out of themselves.

Individuals who have mental illness or low self-esteem focus on themselves; animals can help them focus on their environment rather than thinking and talking about themselves and their problems. They watch and talk to and about the animals.

Case Studies:
Case Reserve University – https://thedaily.case.edu/study-therapy-dogs-reduce-childrens-fear-anxiety-during-dentist-appointments/?fbclid=IwAR0wzcXh5k-kYdzNKHbrhUAwe48SqsQMgSGd6pXoUYTFAqv4hr9hHBCCrGc
UCLA Health – https://www.uclahealth.org/pac/animal-assisted-therapy

Nurturing

Promoting the growth and development of another living thing.

Nurturing skills are learned. Many at-risk children have not learned nurturing skills through the traditional channel – their parents. By being taught to take care of an animal, children can develop these skills. Psychologically, when a person nurtures, his/her need to be nurtured is being fulfilled.

Case Studies:
Case Reserve University – https://thedaily.case.edu/study-therapy-dogs-reduce-childrens-fear-anxiety-during-dentist-appointments/?fbclid=IwAR0wzcXh5k-kYdzNKHbrhUAwe48SqsQMgSGd6pXoUYTFAqv4hr9hHBCCrGc
UCLA Health – https://www.uclahealth.org/pac/animal-assisted-therapy

Rapport

A relationship of mutual trust or a feeling of connection or bonding.

Animals can open a channel of emotionally safe, non-threatening communication between client and therapist. Psychologically, when a person nurtures, his/her need to be nurtured is being fulfilled.

In therapy settings, animals help present an air of emotional safety. If a therapist has an animal in his/her office, s/he “can’t be all bad.” The animal’s presence may open a path through the person’s initial resistance. Children are especially likely to project their feelings and experiences onto an animal.

Case Studies:
Case Reserve University – https://thedaily.case.edu/study-therapy-dogs-reduce-childrens-fear-anxiety-during-dentist-appointments/?fbclid=IwAR0wzcXh5k-kYdzNKHbrhUAwe48SqsQMgSGd6pXoUYTFAqv4hr9hHBCCrGc
UCLA Health – https://www.uclahealth.org/pac/animal-assisted-therapy

Acceptance

Favorable reception or approval.

Animals have a way of accepting without qualification. They don’t care how a person looks or what they say. An animal’s acceptance is nonjudgmental, forgiving, and uncomplicated by the psychological games people often play.

Case Studies:
Case Reserve University – https://thedaily.case.edu/study-therapy-dogs-reduce-childrens-fear-anxiety-during-dentist-appointments/?fbclid=IwAR0wzcXh5k-kYdzNKHbrhUAwe48SqsQMgSGd6pXoUYTFAqv4hr9hHBCCrGc
UCLA Health – https://www.uclahealth.org/pac/animal-assisted-therapy

Entertainment

At a minimum, the presence of an animal can be entertaining. Even people who don’t like animals often enjoy watching their antics and reactions. Especially in long-term care facilities, it seems everyone is entertained by animal visits in some way.

Case Studies:
Case Reserve University – https://thedaily.case.edu/study-therapy-dogs-reduce-childrens-fear-anxiety-during-dentist-appointments/?fbclid=IwAR0wzcXh5k-kYdzNKHbrhUAwe48SqsQMgSGd6pXoUYTFAqv4hr9hHBCCrGc
UCLA Health – https://www.uclahealth.org/pac/animal-assisted-therapy

Socialization

Seeking out or enjoying the company of others.

Studies have shown that when dogs and cats come to visit a care facility, there is more laughter and interaction among residents than during any other “therapy” or entertainment time. In an inpatient setting, the presence of animals encourages socialization in 3 ways:

  • Between clients
  • Between clients and staff.
  • Between clients, staff, and family or other visitors.
Staff members have reported that it is easier to talk to residents during and after animal visits. Family members often come during the animal visits and some have reported that it is an especially comfortable and pleasant time to come.

Case Studies:
Case Reserve University – https://thedaily.case.edu/study-therapy-dogs-reduce-childrens-fear-anxiety-during-dentist-appointments/?fbclid=IwAR0wzcXh5k-kYdzNKHbrhUAwe48SqsQMgSGd6pXoUYTFAqv4hr9hHBCCrGc
UCLA Health – https://www.uclahealth.org/pac/animal-assisted-therapy

Mental Stimulation

Mental stimulation occurs because of increased communication with other people, recalled memories, and the entertainment provided by the animals. In situations that are depressing or institutional, the presence of the animals serves to brighten the atmosphere, increasing amusement, laughter, and play. These positive distractions may help to decrease people’s feelings of isolation or alienation.

Case Studies:
Case Reserve University – https://thedaily.case.edu/study-therapy-dogs-reduce-childrens-fear-anxiety-during-dentist-appointments/?fbclid=IwAR0wzcXh5k-kYdzNKHbrhUAwe48SqsQMgSGd6pXoUYTFAqv4hr9hHBCCrGc
UCLA Health – https://www.uclahealth.org/pac/animal-assisted-therapy

Physical Contact, Touch

Much has been written about the correlation between touch and health. Infants who are not touched do not develop healthy relationships with other people and often fail to thrive and grow physically. For some people, touch from another person is not acceptable, but the warm, furry touch of a dog or cat is. In hospitals, where most touch is painful or invasive, the touch of an animal is safe, non-threatening, and pleasant. There are a number of programs for people who have been physically or sexually abused in which staff and volunteers are not allowed to touch the clients. In cases like these, having an animal to hold, hug, and touch can make a world of difference to people who would otherwise have no positive, appropriate physical contact.

Case Studies:
Case Reserve University – https://thedaily.case.edu/study-therapy-dogs-reduce-childrens-fear-anxiety-during-dentist-appointments/?fbclid=IwAR0wzcXh5k-kYdzNKHbrhUAwe48SqsQMgSGd6pXoUYTFAqv4hr9hHBCCrGc
UCLA Health – https://www.uclahealth.org/pac/animal-assisted-therapy

Physiological Benefits

Positive effects on the basic functioning of the body

Many people are able to relax when animals are present. Tests have shown that the decrease in heart rate and blood pressure can be dramatic. Even watching fish swim in an aquarium can be very calming.

Case Studies:
Case Reserve University – https://thedaily.case.edu/study-therapy-dogs-reduce-childrens-fear-anxiety-during-dentist-appointments/?fbclid=IwAR0wzcXh5k-kYdzNKHbrhUAwe48SqsQMgSGd6pXoUYTFAqv4hr9hHBCCrGc
UCLA Health – https://www.uclahealth.org/pac/animal-assisted-therapy

Empathy

Identifying with and understanding the feelings and motives of another.

Studies report that children who live in homes in which a pet is considered a member of the family are more empathetic than children in homes without pets.

Children see animals as peers. It is easier to teach children to be empathetic with an animal than with a human. With animals, what you see is what you get. Humans are not as direct.

Case Studies:
Case Reserve University – https://thedaily.case.edu/study-therapy-dogs-reduce-childrens-fear-anxiety-during-dentist-appointments/?fbclid=IwAR0wzcXh5k-kYdzNKHbrhUAwe48SqsQMgSGd6pXoUYTFAqv4hr9hHBCCrGc
UCLA Health – https://www.uclahealth.org/pac/animal-assisted-therapy

Outward Focus

Bringing individuals out of themselves.

Individuals who have mental illness or low self-esteem focus on themselves; animals can help them focus on their environment rather than thinking and talking about themselves and their problems. They watch and talk to and about the animals.

Case Studies:
Case Reserve University – https://thedaily.case.edu/study-therapy-dogs-reduce-childrens-fear-anxiety-during-dentist-appointments/?fbclid=IwAR0wzcXh5k-kYdzNKHbrhUAwe48SqsQMgSGd6pXoUYTFAqv4hr9hHBCCrGc
UCLA Health – https://www.uclahealth.org/pac/animal-assisted-therapy

Nurturing

Promoting the growth and development of another living thing.

Nurturing skills are learned. Many at-risk children have not learned nurturing skills through the traditional channel – their parents. By being taught to take care of an animal, children can develop these skills. Psychologically, when a person nurtures, his/her need to be nurtured is being fulfilled.

Case Studies:
Case Reserve University – https://thedaily.case.edu/study-therapy-dogs-reduce-childrens-fear-anxiety-during-dentist-appointments/?fbclid=IwAR0wzcXh5k-kYdzNKHbrhUAwe48SqsQMgSGd6pXoUYTFAqv4hr9hHBCCrGc
UCLA Health – https://www.uclahealth.org/pac/animal-assisted-therapy

Rapport

A relationship of mutual trust or a feeling of connection or bonding.

Animals can open a channel of emotionally safe, non-threatening communication between client and therapist. Psychologically, when a person nurtures, his/her need to be nurtured is being fulfilled.

In therapy settings, animals help present an air of emotional safety. If a therapist has an animal in his/her office, s/he “can’t be all bad.” The animal’s presence may open a path through the person’s initial resistance. Children are especially likely to project their feelings and experiences onto an animal.


Case Studies:
Case Reserve University – https://thedaily.case.edu/study-therapy-dogs-reduce-childrens-fear-anxiety-during-dentist-appointments/?fbclid=IwAR0wzcXh5k-kYdzNKHbrhUAwe48SqsQMgSGd6pXoUYTFAqv4hr9hHBCCrGc
UCLA Health – https://www.uclahealth.org/pac/animal-assisted-therapy

Acceptance

Favorable reception or approval.

Animals have a way of accepting without qualification. They don’t care how a person looks or what they say. An animal’s acceptance is nonjudgmental, forgiving, and uncomplicated by the psychological games people often play.

Case Studies:
Case Reserve University – https://thedaily.case.edu/study-therapy-dogs-reduce-childrens-fear-anxiety-during-dentist-appointments/?fbclid=IwAR0wzcXh5k-kYdzNKHbrhUAwe48SqsQMgSGd6pXoUYTFAqv4hr9hHBCCrGc
UCLA Health – https://www.uclahealth.org/pac/animal-assisted-therapy

Entertainment

At a minimum, the presence of an animal can be entertaining. Even people who don’t like animals often enjoy watching their antics and reactions. Especially in long-term care facilities, it seems everyone is entertained by animal visits in some way.

Case Studies:
Case Reserve University – https://thedaily.case.edu/study-therapy-dogs-reduce-childrens-fear-anxiety-during-dentist-appointments/?fbclid=IwAR0wzcXh5k-kYdzNKHbrhUAwe48SqsQMgSGd6pXoUYTFAqv4hr9hHBCCrGc
UCLA Health – https://www.uclahealth.org/pac/animal-assisted-therapy

Socialization

Seeking out or enjoying the company of others.

Studies have shown that when dogs and cats come to visit a care facility, there is more laughter and interaction among residents than during any other “therapy” or entertainment time. In an inpatient setting, the presence of animals encourages socialization in 3 ways:

  • Between clients
  • Between clients and staff.
  • Between clients, staff, and family or other visitors.

Staff members have reported that it is easier to talk to residents during and after animal visits. Family members often come during the animal visits and some have reported that it is an especially comfortable and pleasant time to come.

Case Studies:
Case Reserve University – https://thedaily.case.edu/study-therapy-dogs-reduce-childrens-fear-anxiety-during-dentist-appointments/?fbclid=IwAR0wzcXh5k-kYdzNKHbrhUAwe48SqsQMgSGd6pXoUYTFAqv4hr9hHBCCrGc
UCLA Health – https://www.uclahealth.org/pac/animal-assisted-therapy

Mental Stimulation

Mental stimulation occurs because of increased communication with other people, recalled memories, and the entertainment provided by the animals. In situations that are depressing or institutional, the presence of the animals serves to brighten the atmosphere, increasing amusement, laughter, and play. These positive distractions may help to decrease people’s feelings of isolation or alienation.

Case Studies:
Case Reserve University – https://thedaily.case.edu/study-therapy-dogs-reduce-childrens-fear-anxiety-during-dentist-appointments/?fbclid=IwAR0wzcXh5k-kYdzNKHbrhUAwe48SqsQMgSGd6pXoUYTFAqv4hr9hHBCCrGc
UCLA Health – https://www.uclahealth.org/pac/animal-assisted-therapy

Physical Contact, Touch

Much has been written about the correlation between touch and health. Infants who are not touched do not develop healthy relationships with other people and often fail to thrive and grow physically. For some people, touch from another person is not acceptable, but the warm, furry touch of a dog or cat is. In hospitals, where most touch is painful or invasive, the touch of an animal is safe, non-threatening, and pleasant. There are a number of programs for people who have been physically or sexually abused in which staff and volunteers are not allowed to touch the clients. In cases like these, having an animal to hold, hug, and touch can make a world of difference to people who would otherwise have no positive, appropriate physical contact.

Case Studies:
Case Reserve University – https://thedaily.case.edu/study-therapy-dogs-reduce-childrens-fear-anxiety-during-dentist-appointments/?fbclid=IwAR0wzcXh5k-kYdzNKHbrhUAwe48SqsQMgSGd6pXoUYTFAqv4hr9hHBCCrGc
UCLA Health – https://www.uclahealth.org/pac/animal-assisted-therapy

Physiological Benefits

Positive effects on the basic functioning of the body

Many people are able to relax when animals are present. Tests have shown that the decrease in heart rate and blood pressure can be dramatic. Even watching fish swim in an aquarium can be very calming.

Case Studies:
Case Reserve University – https://thedaily.case.edu/study-therapy-dogs-reduce-childrens-fear-anxiety-during-dentist-appointments/?fbclid=IwAR0wzcXh5k-kYdzNKHbrhUAwe48SqsQMgSGd6pXoUYTFAqv4hr9hHBCCrGc
UCLA Health – https://www.uclahealth.org/pac/animal-assisted-therapy

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