Animal-Assisted Therapy Alyssa Hayes

What is Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT)? Uses the natural bond between humans and animals to provide comfort, peace, and soothing companionship to terminally ill patients in hospice. “A scheduled encounter with a certified therapy team consisting of an animal and its handler for the purpose of supporting or improving patients’ social, emotional, physical, or cognitive functioning” (Ernst, 2014).

History of AAT “Animals have long been a part of the human experience, serving multiple purposes throughout history, from food to companionship” (Ernst, 2014). Animal domestication occurred approximately 50,000 years ago. “Domesticated pets served as scavengers, objects of affection and worship, and food, with certain animals being considered noble and given status jobs like house guard or soldier” (Ernst, 2014). The therapeutic potential of animals was first recognized in the late 1800s by Florence Nightingale. Florence Nightingale observed that small pets helped reduce anxiety in children and adults living in psychiatric institutions. In the early 1930s, Sigmund Freud used his dog during psychotherapy sessions. In the early 1960s, Boris Levinson, a child psychotherapist, discovered (by chance) that a disturbed, nonverbal 9- year-old boy began to communicate with his dog. In 1989, the Delta society, a well-known animal education group now named Pet Partners, developed a certification program to ensure that animals are proficient in providing AAT.

What population does AAT serve best? “The pet visit can provide interaction between one person and one animal or include several participants in a group setting. These interactions may occur as an activity during a regular visit to a geriatric day care center or nursing home, be provided off-site at special AAT therapy locations, or be provided as an event in public businesses, such as courthouses and local libraries” (Ernst, 2014).

Benefits of AAT AAT provides cardiovascular, psychological, and cognitive benefits, as well as potential impact on the hospital experience and outcomes, making it a flexible intervention. Lowers blood pressure Decreases anxiety Reduces loneliness Improves quality of life The American Heart Association conducted research in 2013 showing a correlation between pet ownership and a reduction in Cardiovascular Disease risks (Ernst, 2014). In a hospice setting, the animals help provide socialization and supportive listening for the patients and, in some cases, assistance with symptom management (Van Pelt, 2010). Touching, or petting, an animal can provide comfort to hospice patients. Comfort care is a primary goal of hospice services.

Cultural sensitivity in AAT “Animal assisted counseling and therapy has been utilized across a wide variety of ages, genders, and cultures” (Sheade & Chandler, 2012). “People may differ greatly in their perceptions, beliefs, and attitudes towards animals across racial groups, geographical regions, genders, socioeconomic status groups, and levels of education” (Sheade & Chandler, 2012). It’s also important to consider an individual’s past experience with animals and any current fear. Some religions hold a belief that humans should be held on a higher moral plane than animals, in which animals do not have souls or go to heaven. Individuals who hold this religious belief may have trouble establishing a relationship with a animal in a therapeutic setting.

How does AAT help with grief? “Interacting with a therapy dog by giving it commands during play can enable a young patient in hospice care to express feelings of grief by providing a sense of control, as well as providing memorable play time together with other family members” (Van Pelt, 2010). Therapy animals can also be a source of comfort for family members following the death of a hospice patient. “The number one reason people give for pet ownership is companionship” (Penn Vet, 2014). “Companion animals often are our main source of social support” (Penn Vet, 2014).

References Ernst, L. (2014). Animal assisted therapy: An exploration of its history, healing benefits, and how skilled nursing facilities can set up programs. Retrieved from http://www.managedhealthcareconnect.com/article/animal-assisted-therapy-exploration- its-history-healing-benefits-and-how-skilled-nursing. Penn Vet (2014). Grief support resources: How pets and humans help each other. Retrieved from http://www.vet.upenn.edu/veterinary-hospitals/ryan-veterinary-hospital/services/grief- support-social-services/grief-support-resources. Sheade, H., & Chandler, C. (2012). Cultural diversity considerations in animal assisted counseling. Retrieved from http://www.counseling.org/docs/default- source/vistas/article_76.pdf?sfvrsn=11. Van Pelt, J. (2010). Animal assisted therapy in hospice care. Retrieved from http://www.socialworktoday.com/archive/012610p8.shtml.