Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT)

ideal candidates

• Children with autism or developmental challenges
• Trauma survivors seeking nontraditional therapy approaches
• Adults with mood disorders resistant to traditional talk therapy
• Elderly individuals with dementia or social isolation

screening required

• Allergy and asthma history
• History of fear/phobia of animals
• Risk of aggression or unsafe behavior

Preparation

Procedure

1. Structured activities with therapy animals tailored to patient goals (e.g., grooming horses for trauma therapy, playing fetch for social engagement, walking dogs for mobility training).
2. Facilitated processing by therapist linking experience to therapeutic objectives.
3. Monitoring for safety, stress, or adverse reactions in both patient and animal.

Concurrent Therapies

• Psychotherapy (CBT, trauma-focused)
• Medication management
• Occupational and physical therapy
• Recreational therapy