Animal assisted therapy (AAT) is a structured, goal-directed form of treatment in which a trained animal becomes part of a person’s care plan. Unlike simply owning a pet, animal assisted therapy is delivered with specific goals in mind — such as reducing anxiety, improving movement, or building communication skills — and progress is usually tracked over time. A trained handler or health professional guides each session.
Interest in this approach has grown because it offers something traditional treatments often cannot: a calm, non-judgmental presence that encourages people to engage. This guide explains what animal assisted therapy is, how it differs from related activities, the benefits reported across emotional, physical, and social areas, and what to consider before joining a program.
What Is Animal Assisted Therapy?
Animal assisted therapy is a planned, documented intervention in which an animal that meets specific criteria is introduced as part of a therapeutic process. It is typically run by a licensed or credentialed professional — such as a therapist, nurse, physical therapist, or counselor — who works alongside an animal handler.
Each session has a purpose. The animal may be used to motivate a person to complete an exercise, to provide comfort during a difficult conversation, or to create a natural reason to practice speaking, reaching, or moving.
How It Differs From Other Animal Activities
- Animal assisted therapy: Structured, goal-based, led by a professional, with progress recorded.
- Animal assisted activities: Informal visits, such as a therapy animal visiting a group setting. Enjoyable, but not tied to treatment goals.
- Service animals: Trained to perform specific tasks for a person with a disability, such as guiding or alerting.
- Emotional support animals: Provide companionship and comfort but are not trained for therapeutic tasks.
How Animal Assisted Therapy Works
The animal acts as a bridge between the person and the therapist. Because animals respond to tone of voice, movement, and touch, people often relax and open up more quickly than they might in a standard session. The therapist then uses that engagement to work toward treatment goals.
Sessions may be one-on-one or in small groups and usually last between 15 and 45 minutes. Activities are adjusted to the person’s abilities and may include brushing, feeding, walking, playing, or simply sitting quietly with the animal.
Common Settings
- Hospitals and rehabilitation centers
- Mental health clinics and counseling offices
- Schools and special education programs
- Nursing homes and assisted living communities
- Correctional or residential treatment facilities
Emotional and Mental Health Benefits
Many of the most frequently reported benefits relate to mood and emotional regulation. Interacting with an animal can activate the body’s relaxation response, which may lower feelings of stress and tension.
- Reduced anxiety and stress: Petting or sitting with an animal is often calming and can lower physiological signs of stress.
- Improved mood: The presence of an animal may increase positive feelings and reduce feelings of loneliness.
- Increased motivation: Therapy goals can feel less intimidating when an animal is involved.
- Greater emotional expression: People may find it easier to talk about difficult feelings when an animal is nearby.
- Sense of comfort: Animals offer consistent, non-judgmental company.
These effects are generally described as supportive rather than curative. Animal assisted therapy is best understood as a complement to other care, not a replacement for medical or psychological treatment.
Physical Health Benefits
In rehabilitation and medical settings, animals can be used to encourage movement and physical activity in ways that feel natural rather than clinical.
- Improved fine motor skills: Brushing, petting, and handling small objects such as leashes or treats.
- Better gross motor skills: Walking alongside an animal, throwing a toy, or bending to place a bowl.
- Increased balance and coordination: Controlled movement around an animal can support steadiness.
- Lower blood pressure and heart rate: Calming interactions may support cardiovascular relaxation.
- Reduced perception of pain: Distraction and comfort can make discomfort feel less intense.
- Encouraged participation: People may try harder at exercises when an animal is part of the activity.
Programs in hospitals and care facilities often pair animal interactions with specific therapy goals set by a medical team.
Social and Communication Benefits
Animals naturally draw attention and create conversation. That can make social situations feel easier for people who struggle with shyness, social anxiety, or communication difficulties.
- Provides a safe topic of conversation
- Encourages eye contact, turn-taking, and verbal expression
- Reduces feelings of isolation
- Builds trust between the participant and the therapist
- Creates opportunities for group interaction and cooperation
For children and adults with autism spectrum disorder or similar communication challenges, structured animal sessions are sometimes used to practice social skills in a low-pressure setting.
Benefits for Specific Groups
Children and Teens
Young people often respond well to animals because the interaction feels like play rather than treatment. Reported benefits include greater willingness to attend sessions, improved focus, and better emotional regulation.
Older Adults
In senior living and memory care settings, animal assisted therapy may reduce feelings of loneliness, encourage conversation, and prompt positive memories. It can also support gentle physical activity.
People in Recovery or Rehabilitation
For those recovering from injury, illness, or substance use, animals can add structure, routine, and a sense of purpose to the recovery process.
What to Expect in a Typical Session
- Introduction: The handler introduces the animal and explains what will happen.
- Goal review: The therapist confirms the focus of the session.
- Interaction: Activities are carried out at a comfortable pace.
- Observation and notes: The professional records progress and responses.
- Wrap-up: The session ends calmly, with time to say goodbye to the animal.
Sessions are always voluntary. If a person does not want to take part on a given day, that choice is respected.
Safety and Practical Considerations
- Allergies and asthma: Discuss any sensitivities with the program before the first visit.
- Fear of animals: Let the team know so the pace can be adjusted or another approach chosen.
- Hygiene: Hand washing before and after contact is standard practice.
- Animal welfare: Reputable programs set limits on session length and monitor the animal’s stress.
- Credentials: Ask about the training of both the handler and the animal.
Animal assisted therapy is not suitable for everyone, and it works best as part of a broader care plan developed with a healthcare professional.
How to Find a Program
- Ask a doctor, therapist, or social worker for a referral.
- Contact local hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or counseling practices.
- Check whether the program uses credentialed handlers and trained animals.
- Ask about session costs, insurance coverage, and scheduling.
- Visit once before committing to a series of sessions.
Conclusion
Animal assisted therapy is a structured, goal-focused approach that uses trained animals as part of a person’s care. Its reported benefits span emotional wellbeing, physical function, and social connection — from reduced anxiety and lower stress to improved movement, motivation, and communication. It is a supportive addition to standard treatment rather than a substitute for it, and results vary from person to person.
If you are curious about trying it, the simplest next step is to ask a healthcare professional whether a program fits your situation and what a referral would involve. For more practical guides on health, wellness, and everyday how-tos, explore the other articles on this site.