Because the purpose of AAI is to use an animal to directly benefit a human, it is of utmost importance that the animal is not negatively impacted. In the history of human-animal relationships, animals have largely been viewed from a utilitarian point of view. A chasm exists between what human clinicians are trying to explore in working with their clients and a thorough understanding of the risks the animals may face in regard to their services. People and AAI practitioners may assume these interventions are innocuous to the animals and that therapy animals typically enjoy the sessions. However, AAI poses a unique set of stresses and strains on animals that the field has recently begun to acknowledge 105.
The handler is the gatekeeper of welfare and requires a difference between na and aa minimum standard of education and skill to be safe and effective during AAI. Knowledgeable handlers must acquire an appropriate level of training in animal behavior and health. To assess the level of understanding from this training, the handler should successfully pass an assessment that ensures minimum competency in AAI. Pet Partners, a leader among AAI organizations, advocates the power of the handler by championing the phrase, “YAYABA,” an acronym for “You Are Your Animal’s Best Advocate” 113. This illustrates a necessary commitment to assuring quality of interactions at both ends of the leash. Future research should investigate the effect of the handler’s skills and knowledge on the health, welfare, and performance of therapy animals.
Physical health
In addition, there are a growing number of studies that assess stress and other aspects of autism using facial recognition, which does not require touching the subject 59,60,61. For real-time assessment, wristband monitors measuring blood pressure, activity, and stress are being deployed for both the human subject and animal intervention 47. After the elderly, children were a common focus for AAI research in part because children are grouped together, but mostly because of the belief that children like animals and animals are good for them 7,8,40,41,42,43.
Animal-assisted therapy can provide both mental health and medical benefits. Service animals are trained to perform specific tasks for people with conditions that are challenging to manage. Service dogs can be a huge gift in helping these folks live functional lives, says Teresa Lodato, a certified professional co-active coach out of Alamo, California. People with compromised immune function should check with their healthcare team prior to trying animal therapy because animals may carry diseases without their handlers being aware of them. Those with allergies or open wounds that could be infected also should be cautious.
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In another study, nursing home residents were also found to engage more with each other when a dog was present. However, it’s important to discuss with your doctor or therapist about whether pet therapy might be a suitable addition to your treatment plan. Once a team of an animal and a handler is approved, animals are assigned for therapy based on a specific person’s needs.
- Requirements for animals depend on the facility or location, as therapy dogs do not have the same legal status as service dogs.
- Special attention will be given to the current state of animal welfare in AAI, the research that has been done in the area, and practice guidelines that safeguard animal wellbeing.
- The process of animal therapy itself typically involves the animal’s handler, who is often the owner, bringing the animal to each session.
- Clients may find it easier to open up and communicate in the presence of a calm and supportive animal.
It involves therapy dogs, cats, horses, or other animals interacting with clients during treatment sessions. In addition to increasing social interactions, the benefits of animal-assisted therapy include human-animal interaction that can reduce emotional arousal and anger, according to 2019 research. Examples include equine therapy for kids with anxiety and canine therapy for childhood trauma. However, AAI should not be constantly viewed in a cynical light from an animal welfare perspective, as human interaction also benefits the animal. Human contact may also result in positive effects on endocrine function in animals, decreasing the activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary axis (HPA) and sympathetic nervous system 129,130. There is an ever-growing reliance on methods perceived to be more valid and objective to assess the changes caused by animal interactions.
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Furthermore, O’Haire also prepared similar papers on demonstrating the value of AAI with persons with Autism 44,149. She provided insights on how AAI could be applied effectively with persons with ASD. Gabriels et al. and Grandin et al. also provided insight into how equine assisted interventions can be implemented effectively with this population 150,151. Finally, Schuck et al. provide a comprehensive discussion on how AAI can provide support for children who have executive functioning disorders, specifically ADHD 152,153,154.
Studies that evaluate the benefits of AAT generally do not include evidence gathered from this particular population. Pet therapy may be advantageous for those bedridden in hospitals, providing comfort and lifting moods. Therapy dogs and other animals can also work in a specific treatment center that caters to different types of therapy. For example, dogs and cats can benefit autistic children and adults who are non-verbal, as they can communicate with the pets through gentle touches and non-verbal cues. Clients may animal therapy help with physical conditions, including motion and strength issues or balance and mobility problems. Studies have shown that spending time with animals can aid in chronic disease and reduce blood pressure and cortisol levels caused by stress.