What Is Animal Assisted Therapy?

What Is Animal Assisted Therapy?

Animal assisted therapy, often shortened to AAT, is a structured form of treatment that involves animals as part of a person's care plan. It takes place in hospitals, care homes, schools, prisons, and community settings across the UK. The approach draws on the bond between humans and animals to support people with physical, emotional, and psychological needs, though its effectiveness varies depending on the individual and their condition.

The use of animals in formal therapeutic settings emerged in the latter half of the twentieth century, with structured programmes developing from the 1960s onwards. The practice has grown steadily since then. While AAT is gaining recognition among healthcare professionals as a complement to conventional treatments, it is not yet universally integrated into healthcare settings, and research into its efficacy continues.

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Which Animals Are Used?

Dogs are by far the most common animals involved in this type of therapy. Their temperament, trainability, and familiarity make them well suited to working with people in different environments. Cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs are also used, particularly in residential care settings where a calmer presence is needed.

Horses play a significant role too. Equine assisted therapy is offered by organisations such as the Riding for the Disabled Association, which operates across the UK. Working with horses can help people develop confidence, coordination, and communication skills.

Dolphins and elephants have featured in therapy programmes abroad, but their use remains controversial. Animal welfare organisations have raised concerns about keeping these species in captivity for therapeutic purposes, and such programmes are not available in the UK. Reptiles and birds may occasionally be included in more specialised settings, depending on the needs of the client.

Whatever the species, each animal must have the right temperament for the work. Not every dog or horse is suitable. Animals involved in AAT undergo behavioural assessments and training to ensure they remain calm around unfamiliar people, medical equipment, and unpredictable situations. Organisations such as Pets As Therapy have their own assessment processes, though there is no single regulatory framework governing AAT in the UK. The welfare of the animals is a central consideration, and reputable programmes monitor for signs of stress or fatigue.

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How Does Animal Assisted Therapy Work?

AAT sessions are led or supervised by trained professionals. This might be a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, psychologist, or counsellor who incorporates an animal into their treatment plan. The animal is not simply a visitor. Its presence forms part of a goal-directed intervention designed to achieve specific outcomes.

The goals vary depending on the individual. For someone recovering from a stroke, stroking or grooming a dog might help improve fine motor control. For a child with autism, interacting with a therapy animal may support social skills and emotional regulation. In mental health settings, the presence of an animal can help reduce anxiety and encourage people to engage during counselling sessions.

Studies suggest that physical contact with animals can lower blood pressure and reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, though results vary between individuals and depend on the context of the interaction. Even short interactions can produce a calming effect for some people. For those who feel isolated or withdrawn, animals can offer a form of connection that feels less demanding than human interaction.

Sessions may be one to one or delivered in groups. They can take place in clinical settings, schools, hospices, or prisons. Some programmes bring animals into hospitals or care homes on a regular schedule. Others are based at farms or equestrian centres where clients attend for their sessions. Professionals wishing to incorporate AAT into their practice should seek appropriate training, and several UK organisations offer courses for both handlers and healthcare practitioners.

Who Can Benefit?

AAT is used with children and adults of all ages. It has been applied in the treatment of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, dementia, learning disabilities, and physical rehabilitation. Children with behavioural difficulties or developmental conditions may respond well to animal interaction when other approaches have had limited success.

Older adults in care homes often benefit from regular contact with therapy animals. The presence of a calm dog or cat can lift mood, spark conversation, and reduce feelings of loneliness. For people living with dementia, animals can provide comfort and a sense of familiarity even when verbal communication becomes difficult.

In prisons and young offender institutions, animal programmes have been used to teach responsibility and empathy. Some schemes involve inmates caring for rescue dogs or working with horses as part of rehabilitation efforts.

AAT is not a replacement for medical treatment. It works best as a complement to other therapies and interventions. Not everyone will respond to it in the same way. Some people have allergies, phobias, or cultural backgrounds that make animal interaction unsuitable or unwelcome. A proper assessment should always take place before AAT is recommended.

If you are interested in working in this field, roles exist for animal handlers, therapy assistants, and qualified health professionals. Organisations such as Pets As Therapy and Therapy Dogs Nationwide offer volunteer opportunities and training for those starting out.

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