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So What's so Great about Animal Assisted Activities & Therapy?

Lot's of Things...that's What!

Animal Assisted Activities -  provide opportunities for motivational, educational, recreational, and/or therapeutic benefits to enhance quality of life.  These activities are delivered in a variety of environments in associaton with animals that meet specific criteria. (from Standards of Practice for Animal-Assisted Activities and Therapy, Delta Society.)

Animal Assisted Therapy - is designed to promote improvement in human physical, social, emotional, and /or cognitive functioning and is provided in a variety of settings which may be group or individual in nature.   It is a goal-directed intervention treatment process which an animal that meets specific criteria is an integral part of.  Therapy is directed/overseen by a health/human service professional within the scope of practice of their profession. (from Standards of Practice for Animal-Assisted Activities and Therapy, Delta Society.)

Some of the Benefits of AAA/AAT

Mental & Emotional Stimulation - Animals serve to brighten the atmosphere, increase  amusement, laughter, recalling of memories, increase communication. These positive distractions may help to decrease feelings of isolation and loneliness. Those patients who have had a similar animal in the past usually express a desire to communicate their own memories and experiences. Documented cases show positive results even in those who previously had been unresponsive. Physiological - Tests show that the decrease in blood pressure and heart rate can be dramatic, as well as general relaxation. In November, 2005 CNN reported on a UCLA study just completed.  Results indicated improved cardiac function and help in recovery of cancer patients. Physical Contact, Touch - Many studies have proven the correlation between touch and health.  Some people will not allow, or are uncomfortable with another person touching them, but a warm, furry touch of an animal is non-threatening and pleasant. Socialization - Studies show that when animals visit a facility there is more laughter and interaction among residents than during other entertainment time.  Animals encourage socializing even after the visits. Relations with Staff & Others - Staff members and family have reported greater ease and response in communications with patients after the animal visits. Acceptance - Animals are unconditional, nonjudgemental and forgiving, regardless of physical abilities, outward appearance, or illness. Outward Focus - Individuals with low self-esteem or illness focus on themselves.  Animal interaction helps them to focus on their environment. Nurturing - Psychologically, when a person nurtures, his/her need to be nurtured is fulfilled. Rapport- Animals present an air of emotional safety in therapy settings. The animal's presense may help break through a person's initial resistance, providing a feeling of mutual trust and connection. Entertainment - It seems everyone is entertained by visiting animals in some way, especially those in long-term care facilities. Empathy - It's a documented fact that children brought up with animal interaction in the home are more empathetic adults with other people. Interaction with animals helps us to identify with and undertand the feelings of another. Sense of Fulfillment - A feeling of spiritual fulfillment with life and nature has been expressed by many people when they are with animals.  Many also feel this interaction is part of their communion and relationship with others and God. Individual Benefits - An individual person's own experiences and memories will play a part in the animal's visit as it does in any therapy or activity process.  An individual may obtain a benefit from the visit  that is an unprojected added bonus and pertains to their own personality and life.