Animal Assisted Therapy (pet therapy) By: Micah Archer

What is pet therapy?  According to the American Humane Association, Animal Assisted Therapy or (pet therapy) is; “a goal- directed intervention in which an animal is incorporated as an integral part of the clinical health-care treatment process. Animal Assisted Therapy is delivered or directed by a professional health or human service provider who demonstrates skill and expertise regarding the clinical applications of human-animal interactions.”

Theories?  Pet therapy is not dependent on a specific therapy. AAT encompasses all types of psychology theories, from psychoanalytic to behavioral. Amy McCullough who speaks for the American Humane Association states, “ you utilize an animal as an adjunct to a therapeutic process regardless of theory.” In general pet therapy becomes another tool in the tool kit for the type of therapy they practice.

How does it work?  Pet therapy improves patients mental, physical, emotional and social skills with the aid of animals.  This can take place in many settings; hospitals, prison, nursing homes, therapeutic nursing homes for teens and adults.  Instead of just spending time with the animal there are therapeutic goals. This includes brushing the animal, walking, petting, and caring for the animal, while trying to achieve a given task.

What animals are used?  Horses are used a lot for children with disabilities, like Cerebral Palsy, autism, or down syndrome  Canines are the main animals that are used in pet therapy for people with anxiety, nervousness, difficult treatments, depression, and mainly children who suffer from ADD, ADHD, or emotionally troubled  Elephants have been used in some parts of the world for children with disabilities. This has been seen in some Zoos. The child learns discipline and concentration in order to form a bond with the animal, and so that the animal will cooperate with the child.

History?  The earliest record of AAT was in the 18 th century. At York Retreat in England, which was founded by the Quakers for mentally ill patients. Within the facility a number of small domestic animals roamed to help the social morale of patients.  In 1860 the Bethlem Hospital in England began using this practice for patients.  Sigmund Freud was one of the first people to believe in this therapy and its benefits. He believed that dogs had a “special sense” where they could judge a persons character. He had a Chow Chow named Jo-Fi, and he took the dog to every therapy session. Freud believed that Jo-Fi could know the tension of the person by where the dog would lay in the room. If he stayed close to the patient the level of tension was lower than if he was across the room.

History Cont’d  Freud believed that the presence of a dog had a calming effect on all patients, including children.  Boris Levinson discovered that he could reach a disturbed child in therapy sessions when his dog Jingles was present. He wrote about a session with a 9 year old boy who had tried sessions before without a therapy animal and was unsuccessful. Jingles was present when the boy was brought in for therapy and the boy responded quite positively.  Levinson believed that sessions while Jingles was present formed a bond of trust and developed a solid relationship with the child from then on.

Indications for Use?  Who does it help?  - children having dental procedures  -people receiving cancer treatment  -people in long term care facilities  -hospitalized patient with heart failure  -veterans with post traumatic stress disorder  Other people see the benefits of the therapy too, not just the ill patient. Pet therapy is also being used in nonmedical settings, like universities, for people who have anxiety and stress

Used for more than just treatment  Research has shown that pet therapy allows people to have less anxiety and stress, which lowers blood pressure. The animals make the patient feel less lonely and bring out certain social characteristics.  Since animals are non- judgmental people with deformities and disabilities feel more secure interacting with an animal than with another person and may open up more.  Many nursing homes or long care homes will bring along dogs to interact with the clients. This helps lessen the feeling of depression and isolation, as well as stimulate mental activity since you are interacting with the animal.

Used for more than just treatment Cont’d  According to Pet Partners, research in the elderly has shown that those who own a dog have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels than those who don’t have an animal.  With the activities using the animal it will improve motivation, assist educational activities, or just have fun to enhance quality of life.

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Benefits and Risks?  According to the Mayo Clinic some benefits are; improved focus, nurturing skills among children, improved relationship btwn doctor and patient, improved mental stimulation, improved physiological state  The biggest risk among pet therapy is safety and sanitation. The animals are regularly screened for health and behavior. Its very uncommon but people can be harmed if unsuitable animals are used or not handled correctly.  In some situations a patient will become obsessed with an animal, this being from low self esteem when unrealistic expectations aren’t met. When an animal dies, the patient may feel much guilt and grief.

Sources of Care?  According to Pet Partners, to get started for pet therapy your animal must be registered with the Pet Partners Program.  What is Pet Partners? The nations largest and most prestigious nonprofit registering handlers of multiple species as volunteer teams providing animal assisted interactions.  Can anyone do this? If your animal is well behaved, friendly, sociable, as well as registered with Pet Partners your animal can become a pet therapy canine and visit hospitals, nursing homes, etc. For you to participate in Pet Therapy and take your animal to different locations you must be screened and are evaluated by Pet Partners. You are trained in workshops by licensed instructors and through an online course.

Sources of Care Cont’d  Arkansas Children’s Hospital offers a program called TAILS (Therapeutic Animal Intervention Lifts Spirits). They are certified therapy dogs and their owners who visit hospitalized patients.  Arkansas Hospice Foundation in LR- they have a program where therapy dogs come in to lift spirits and have a positive attitude on patients. Patients will normally respond happily, and the dog will give unconditional love to a person, even if they are unresponsive.  Hot Springs Animal Services Pet Therapy Program- go to local nursing homes and assisted living facilities

Cost?  This varies depending on where you go.  It also depends on the type of insurance you have. The therapist will also charge different amounts, depending on how long the session is.  Around $80- $100 for a minute session

Case Study #1  According to Kay Trotter, who is a licensed play therapist and supervisor observed a story of a young boy and a horse named Rosie.  Sam was an 8 year old, who recently changed schools and was upset and rebellious around his parents, and his parents did not know what to do. Seeing the connection he had with his guniea pig they placed him in pet therapy. Sam finds Rosie, and begins to form a bond and trust her. He then begins to open up about problems in school, and gains his confidence to talk about his problems with someone.  This shows that animals do have a calming effect on people and that children do not feel intimated to be themselves and open up once forming a bond with the animal.

Case Study #2  According to Janet Eggiman BSN, she told a story of a 10 year old girl named Annie who had been sexually abused, was in foster care, threw tantrums, had problems with her siblings, etc.  Annie was introduced to Kotter, before she had her session with Kotter she was; difficult following rules, constant moving around the room, couldn’t identify feelings, appeared uncaring and rough, did not respect boundaries or personal space.  When she was in her session with Kotter the following was observed; sat quietly on the floor, muscle relaxation, was gentle and caring with Kotter, followed the rules regarding Kotter.  After more sessions with Kotter, Annie opened up about school and the problems at home she had experienced. Her grades and behavior improved dramatically.

Conclusion?  I believe this therapy has wonderful outcomes for those that need it. The company the animal gives to the patient will bring a smile to most peoples faces if they enjoy being around animals. Even if the patient doesn’t need much treatment and is struggling with anxiety or nervousness, the animal can sense this and calm the patient. I would recommend this therapy to my family and friends. My brother has CP and at his school, CHDC they have used therapy animals around him before.

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