Animal Assisted Therapy

Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT)

What is AAT? Animal Assisted Therapy is an innovative treatment designed to help people heal through a therapeutic connection with a specially trained therapy dog.

Employed by a licensed therapist, an animal is engaged as part of the therapeutic process, either directly or indirectly. Interactions between client and animal are intentionally guided towards a specific therapeutic goal, or to provide comfort and support during the therapy session. AAT organically encourages clients to participate in their therapy sessions with stronger focus, and has been shown to reduce impairing behaviors.

Research shows that animal interaction can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, encourage motivation, increase mindfulness, improve mood, and enhance emotional well-being.