Animal-Assisted Therapy

A therapy animal is often accompanied by a trained handler who supervises them during patient interactions or with therapy clients. Often, a certified handler has completed a designated amount of coursework and passed an evaluation. There isn’t one central organization that certifies trainers or animals, but two of the most well-known national organizations that facilitate animal-assisted therapy are Pet Partners and Love on a Leash. 

In addition, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes many organizations that certify dogs to become therapy dogs. Other organizations focus on certifying handlers for animal therapy. The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International offers certifications and accreditations for those who want to provide equine therapy. 

Therapy animals are often required to be temperament tested. As the animals may unexpectedly be put in uncomfortable situations, temperament tests can confirm that they can react safely and predictably around sensitive populations. They may also undergo obedience training with their handler to ensure they are ready to follow directions and safely interact with others. 

Finally, therapy animals may undergo physical exams and screenings, where a veterinarian can check their overall health, teeth, skin, and coat. In addition, they may be required to be fully vaccinated. To maintain their certification, the animal may undergo routine vet examinations.

Animal-assisted therapy can involve several techniques, especially depending on the animal involved. Often, the therapy team of the handler plus the animal can join sessions with a client and their therapist. Depending on your treatment goals, the therapy may occur for a designated number of visits.

In dog-assisted therapy, a trained dog can visit the facility where treatment is provided. The dog’s owner or handler may come with them. The dog spends a set amount of time with the client and their mental health provider. Dog-assisted therapy may be provided in a hospital, nursing home, therapy office, rehabilitation center, school, mental health treatment facility, or other medical settings. 

Equine-assisted therapy is a treatment that centers around horses. In the beginning, the client may help groom, pet, and feed a therapy horse, eventually working up to leading the horse around on a walk. Some providers may have clients ride horses, though a significant part of equine-assisted therapy focuses on caring for the horse.

Other animals that may also be used to provide therapy include:

• Cats
• Birds
• Rabbits
• Guinea pigs
• Dolphins
• Pigs
• Llamas

Regardless of the animal used, they are present to support the therapeutic process. Interacting with an animal while you speak to your mental health provider can encourage you to speak more freely and openly about how you’re feeling. In addition, spending time around an animal may decrease symptoms of mental health conditions. 

Note that there is a significant difference between a therapy animal and a service animal. A therapy animal is trained to provide support in a specific counseling or medical environment. A service animal is trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability. In addition, therapy animals are only provided with free access to spaces where they work, such as a hospital, temporarily. Service animals can accompany their handlers in almost all public spaces, whereas therapy dogs cannot.

Animal-assisted therapy can benefit people with several mental health conditions, including but not limited to: 

• Anxiety²
• Depression³
• Addiction
• ADHD⁴
• Schizophrenia⁵
• Stress

This treatment has also been proven effective in supporting the mental health of older adults who live in a facility. Elderly individuals who participate in dog-assisted therapy may experience a decrease in symptoms of depression and an increase in positive social interactions. 

Animal-assisted therapy is also often offered as a treatment for individuals with dementia. Experts describe animals as a functional communication bridge for clients. People with dementia often engage more with animals than the people around them. In addition, the treatment has been shown to reduce aggression, irritability, and confusion in individuals. People can improve their physical condition and increase their muscle strength by interacting with animals. 

Studies have found animal-assisted therapy to be an effective complementary treatment for autistic children. The multi-sensory stimuli of animals encourage non-verbal communication between the animal and the child. Animals can be used to grow social skills and reduce anxiety. For some children, the opportunity to interact with an animal is an encouragement to engage in therapy and develop skills.

In Spain, some children experiencing mental health challenges may receive intensive and rehabilitative outpatient support in a day hospital, visiting a few days a week to work with care providers. Researchers examined the impact of dog-assisted therapy on pediatric patients who attended a mental health day hospital. They found that the children were more committed to their treatment and had improved attendance. They also displayed fewer emotional and behavioral outbursts. The study's authors believe so strongly in the value of animal-assisted therapy that they argue it’s necessary to provide dog-assisted therapy as a complementary treatment in a psychiatric day hospital. 

Individuals in a psychiatric facility can also benefit from animal-assisted therapy. Thirty-five men in a psychiatric residential care home participated in therapy with a bird for eight weeks. By the end of the study, those in the intervention group reported a significant increase in their levels of happiness and overall quality of life. In addition, the authors noted that staff and residents involved in therapy engaged in more extended conversations when a bird was involved, increasing the quality of human interaction.

Recent research shows that it’s not only children with autism who can benefit from animal-assisted therapy. Fifty-three adults with autism spectrum disorder participated in a trial that explored the impact of animal-assisted therapy. For ten weeks, the intervention group completed weekly one-on-one hour-long therapy sessions with a mental health professional and a dog. Researchers noted that all people in the intervention group completed at least nine of the ten sessions. There was also a notable reduction in agoraphobia, depression symptoms, and self-perceived stress. 

To participate in animal-assisted therapy, begin by talking to your mental health provider or primary care physician. They may connect you with a certified animal therapy team. You may also reach out to an organization that certifies animals or handlers, as they may be able to recommend therapy teams. Local facilities like hospitals, addiction treatment centers, and nursing homes may also be able to suggest animal therapy providers they work with. 

If you already attend therapy, talk to your therapist about whether they’re open to animal-assisted therapy as part of your treatment plan. Because animal-assisted therapy is complementary, it can be integrated with other treatment models, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). A therapist who is not open to animal therapy can help you find a provider who is so that you can participate in this treatment model.

Having an animal you can interact with during therapy may be a way to participate in the healing process with comfort and support. If you have pets at home, you may be able to partake in therapy while cuddling with your pet by using online therapy platforms like BetterHelp. Through an online platform, you can talk to a therapist via phone, video, or live chat sessions.