What is Animal Assisted Therapy
The AVMA defines Animal Assisted Therapy (“AAT”) as “a goal-directed intervention in which an animal meeting specific criteria is an integral part of the treatment process.
Animal-assisted therapy is delivered or directed by health or human service providers working within the scope of their profession.
Animal-assisted therapy is designed to promote improvement in human physical, social, emotional, or cognitive function.”1 AAT is an approach to counseling that utilizes the human-animal bond to enhance the therapeutic process.
This approach is used on a case-by-case basis depending on each client’s individual needs and goals for counseling. AAT is not appropriate for all cases. Each case will be analyzed for risks and benefits before incorporating a dog into sessions.
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Meet Beckett
Meet Beckett
Beckett is our current therapy dog being utilized, and he is a 4-year-old Vizsla. He has undergone advanced behavior training and is a therapy dog in training. He weighs approximately 55 lbs. and is current on all vaccinations.
Animal Assisted Therapy & What Science Says
For Mental Health:
- The simple act of petting animals releases an automatic relaxation response.
- Humans interacting with animals have found that petting the animal promoted the release of serotonin, prolactin and oxytocin- all hormones that can play a part in elevating moods.
- Lowers anxiety and helps people relax.
- Provides comfort.
- Reduces loneliness.
- Increases mental stimulation.
- Assist in recall of memories and help sequence temporal events in patients with head injuries or chronic diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease.
- Can provide an escape or happy distraction.
- Can act as catalysts in the therapy process.
- May help break the ice.
- May reduce the initial resistance that might accompany therapy.
For Physical Health:
- Lowers blood pressure and improves cardiovascular health.
- Reduces the amount of medications some people need.
- Breathing slows in those who are anxious.
- Releases many hormones such as Phenylethylamine which has the same effect as chocolate.
- Diminishes overall physical pain.
- Relax more during exercise.
- Participants were motivated, enjoyed the therapy sessions more, and felt the atmosphere of the session was less stressful during Animal-Assisted therapy.
Source: UclaHealth.Org