The Benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy in Occupational Therapy

Prepared ByStephanie Reid

What is Occupational Therapy?Occupational therapy is a holistic form of therapy that focuses on improving a patient’s abilities to perform every day task that encompass the job of living. As an Occupational Therapy practitioner our focus is to help improve the patient as a whole person including all physical, emotional and social aspects.

What is Animal Assisted Therapy?Animal Assisted Therapy also known as pet therapy or AAT is the therapeutic use of animals to help improve the functioning abilities of the patient.

History of the use of Animal Assisted Therapy in Occupational Therapy.

The use of Animal Assisted Therapy can be traced back to the ninth century where disabled individuals

learned to care for farm animals as part of their daily living skills. In 1792, The York Retreat, an

institution for the mentally ill, also used animals as part of therapy by teaching their patients to care for

them.

In what ways have animals

been proven to help?

Animals have long been considered therapeutic companions and have proven

beneficial to the mental, physical and social well-being of humans.

Physical Benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy

Research has shown that therapy combined with the use of animals can help benefit the

patient in a number of ways including lowering blood pressure, lowering stress hormone levels and cholesterol levels,

improving respiratory patterns, improving oxygen levels, decreasing episodes of pain,

and decreasing depression.

Equine therapy also known as Hippotherapy is a specialized Animal Assisted Therapy that utilizes horses to help improve posture and balance which can help with movement disorders and tactile stimulation for those with sensory processing disorders.

Emotional Benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy

Some of the emotional benefits of animal assisted therapy include

the reduction of stress, fear, grief and loneliness as well as improving

confidence and self- image.

Social Benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy

Animals can be a useful tool for helping to initiate conversation as well

as encouraging communication between patient and therapist.

“Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms.” George

Eliot

The love and affection of therapy animals has proven to have a positive effect on patients of all

ages and conditions within various settings making them a valuable resource that should be considered for use in the Occupational Therapy

practice site.