What are the benefits of animal therapy?
"There are a wide variety of benefits associated with human-animal interactions, and these can take a variety of forms. Animal-assisted therapy is a goal-driven practice done under the supervision of a health practitioner—it might be a physical therapist, a counselor, or general physician. AAT involves measurable outcomes designed to improve the health and well-being of the patient/client. These benefits might be psychological—improved mood, for example; or they might be physical—decreased blood pressure, an interruption in the individual’s chronic pain cycle, etc." -Pond
|
Reflection |
I was unaware that AAT was under the supervision of a health practitioner or any time of supervisor. I thought that a selected animal specifically dog or cat was sent to the patient's house for a set amount of time. I did however know that it induced psychological and physical benefits. That was reassuring in the least.
|
Is AAT pinpointed towards a specific type of person? (age, disability)
"AAT has such a broad range of applications that it is hard to say who benefits the most. In general, in our experience, we see AAT employed in private practices (such as a PT or mental health practitioner)—because it is goal-driven and needs to be supervised by a practitioner. I wouldn’t say AAT is widely applied in hospitals. A volunteer who visits patients in a hospital would not be considered to be participating in AAT; rather, they would be involved in AAA (animal-assisted activities) which are not specifically goal-driven with precisely identified objectives to improve health." -Pond
|
Reflection |
It is definitely nice to know that AAT or AAA is versatile and has a “broad range” of applicants. People such as my mother who does not have a serious physical or psychological issue can participate in it or apply to it.
|
What are the disadvantages of AAT?
"I wouldn’t describe AAT as having disadvantages—rather, like any tool or therapy, I would argue that it will benefit some better than others and it can also be subject to malpractice. Any professional or volunteer participating in AAT needs to be appropriately educated, screened and prepared to safely participate in these interactions in a way that is professional and responsible. As the only national organization that requires therapy animal volunteers to renew their skills and aptitude screening, period (our teams renew every two years) we are committed to ensuring these standards are met and that anyone who interacts with a registered Pet Partners team has an overwhelmingly positive experience." -Pond
|
Reflection |
I searched on one of my websites and found that there were in fact disadvantages in animal-assisted therapy. They were however listed when referring to older individuals. Elders have to worry about animals when walking around because it is a falling hazard. They also have to worry about biting. Animals are animals and sometimes playing around can turn into something too aggressive for people who are sensitive like elders.
|
Has it shown better or similar results to other types of therapy?
"AAT is not for everyone as stated before. The effect on one person may be completely different from that of another. It’s best to have the patient try out AAT for almost a trial run to see if this is the best alternative for them. " -Pond
|
Reflection |
I assumed that AAT could be done by anyone, but I neglected to take in account the different responses one patient might have towards this different type of therapy. Not everything works for everyone. Also have to take in account allergies and fears.
|
What is animal therapy mostly used for? (physical, psychological..)
"Positive human-animal interaction appears to be related to changes in physiological variables both in humans and animals, particularly dogs. HAI has been shown to influence levels of blood pressure, heart rate, hormones correlated with well-being including cortisol, oxytocin, b-endorphin, prolactin, phenylacetic acid and dopamine." -Pond
|
Reflection |
AAT can work for physical problems but seems to show better results for in the physiological department. I knew that it showed results for both however it is reassuring to know that my facts were in fact correct.
|
What types of animals are used and which ones give the most results?
"Pet Partners is the only national therapy animal organization to register species other than dogs. We register nine in total: dogs, cats, equines, llamas/alpacas, guinea pigs, rabbits, rats, pigs, and birds. As you’ll see if you consult HABRI’s archives, by far the most quantifiable research has been done on dogs. I’m not aware of the extent of studies that have been conducted with other species to determine the outcomes of their performance in either AAA or AAT, although I can say that in choosing to register a species Pet Partners relies on experts in the animal’s predictability, reaction to stress, and health needs before designing an evaluation procedure to include members of that species in the therapy animal program." -Pond
|
Reflection |
I was unaware of the fact that they also use llamas and alpacas in AAT. It was absolutely fascinating when I learned of this. Before I thought AAT occurred only inside the patient's living space (house). Now this definitely broadens my knowledge on not only the animals used in this type of therapy, but also the places it must take place especially with the use of such animals.
|
What do the animals do?
"Practices of AAT will be very different depending on the profession. A physical therapist might incorporate the animal into exercises to help with the patient’s balance, mobility, and coordination. A social worker might involve an animal to give the client a source of comfort and respite from struggles they may be going through. As stated previously, a Pet Partners team’s registration does not qualify them to participate in AAT independently—rather, they would work with a health or human services provider to support a client engagement or treatment plan. Alternatively, some professionals who are already educated and certified in a given profession may choose to go through Pet Partners to screen their animal for suitability as a therapy animal to incorporate into their own private practice (although Pet Partners’ insurance only covers volunteer work and not paid time, an important distinction)." -Pond
|
Reflection |
I never thought of the different actions that can be taken based on the patient’s problem. I characterized the animals like regular pets who love on the patient and walks alongside them in order to get the physical exercise needed. I now know that there are different exercises and actions that the animals somehow help the patient with.
|
What are the financial aspects of AAT?
"Animal Assisted Therapy is an inexpensive program that yields measurable rewards including improved patient experience and staff satisfaction.. It is a low cost (volunteer-driven), high yield program that can be easily and quickly implemented in any facility." -Pond
|
Reflection |
I thought for certain that AAT would be expensive, but in some places like Pet Partners I am proven wrong. It seems to show many benefits for a reasonable cost. It probably also depends on the severity of the condition of the patient and the time spent with the animal. In general it seems like a good deal.
|
How are the animals trained?
"As animals are not trained through the Pet Partners program, it’s hard for me to answer this question. Handlers prepare animals for our registration process through a combination of strategies. Some may choose to take their animal to puppy kindergarten or obedience courses of some kind. Others may choose to do their training independently. Pet Partners does recommend having some sort of handler education that focuses on understanding your animal’s body language and stress signals – we offer a Canine Body Language course designed to provide such an educational opportunity for prospective dog handlers." -Pond
|
Reflection |
I had no idea that the animals went through training similar to that of any obedient pet. I thought there was a special on they went to from their birth until they are ready for the big job.
|
How long do people usually go through AAT?
"If you’re referring to how long it takes people to become trained to practice AAT… it’s worth noting that at this time there is no universally accepted training for AAT for professionals. I mentioned in an earlier answer that some professionals choose to go through the registration process with Pet Partners in order to demonstrate that they and their animal are appropriate for therapy animal work. However, no standardized competencies exist for AAT in most fields. You may wish to take a look at Animal-Assisted Intervention International, an organization that specifically provides education and resources for professionals wishing to incorporate an animal into their practice." -Pond
|
Reflection |
This wasn’t the answer I specifically looking for. I wished to find out how long a patient would usually go through animal-assisted therapy, not the training needed for a person.
|