Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) has been used since the late 1700s to provide therapeutic benefits such as improved mood, reduced stress, and lower blood pressure. AAT began being utilized in goal-based therapies by Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists in 1990. Today, AAT is used in many settings with various populations and patient goals. Therapy animals are matched to specific treatment strategies and goals for each individual. A successful AAT program depends on full integration of the therapeutic mission and animals being viewed as part of the treatment team rather than a distraction.

1. Animal Assisted Therapy
Reaching Goals Through Alternative
Therapy
Carmen Clark-Stokes, Diane Cook &
Nancy Ketchie

2. Welcome!
Today we are here to discuss:
 Animal Assisted Therapy and its therapeutic outcomes
 History and Evolution of AAT
 Using AAT Today
 Video and Live Demonstration
 Q&A

3. History & Evolution of AAT
 Animal Assisted Therapy goes back as far as the late
1700’s.
 AAT was brought to Houston in the 1980’s.
 Initial benefits of AAT: improved affect, stress relief & lower
blood pressure.
 AAT begins working with CTRS’; utilized in goal based
therapies in 1990.

4. AAT Today
 Today AAT is used in many different settings and with
countless different populations.
 For each setting, population or patient our therapy animals
are used for a specific goal.
 For each individual that the therapy animals visit with,
there is a specific treatment strategy. Some may have
several goals, some may only have one.
 Each animal may have an area in which they are “experts”
depending on their size, skill or personality.

5. Therapeutic Strategies
 AAT is a great asset to the physical rehabilitation scope.
 Current program focuses on SCI, TBI, CVA and amputation.
 Several strategies based on patient population and goal.
 AAT benefits those with physical disabilities in many ways.

6. Creating a Successful Program
 A successful program depends on the perspective of the
team.
 Critical factor: Full integration of the therapeutic mission.
 Being viewed as part of the team-not a distraction.
 Sharing therapeutic goals.
 Enthusiasm.

7. Video, Demo & Q&A
 Brief video of AAT in action.
 Live demonstration with audience participation.
 Time for questions and answers.