Study on Animal-Assisted Therapy to Launch across Country Presentation

1. Study on Animal-Assisted Therapy toStudy on Animal-Assisted Therapy to
Launch across CountryLaunch across Country

2. •For over a year, Zoetis Inc., a veterinary
pharmaceutical company, and the American
Humane Association (AHA) have been planning a
clinical trial to explore the effects of animal-
assisted therapy among pediatric oncology
patients. In February 2014, researchers began
collecting data for the Canines and Childhood
Cancer Study at five participating children's
hospitals across the country. Specifically, the
study aims to measure how the therapy animals
affect the health -related quality of life of children
between the ages of 3 and 12 who have been
newly diagnosed with cancer and are currently
undergoing chemotherapy. All data will be
gathered in the outpatient clinic.

3. •Additionally, researchers plan to study whether
animal-assisted therapy alters parents' and
guardians' stress and anxiety levels. They will also
carefully track the canines' behaviors and see if
the animals exhibit any therapy-induced changes
throughout the course of the study. Although
physicians and hospitals have long incorporated
animal-assisted therapy to boost patients’ and
families’ morale, researchers have never
conducted a full clinical trial. Through the Canines
and Childhood Cancer Study, Zoetis and AHA aim
to learn more about how to best implement what
many believe is a powerful form of therapy.