What is Pet Therapy?

Pet therapy, also known as animal-assisted therapy (AAT) or animal-assisted activities (AAA), involves guided interactions between individuals and trained animals to improve physical, emotional, and social well-being. These sessions are often facilitated by professionals such as therapists or handlers who ensure safety and maximise therapeutic benefits.

At its core, pet therapy harnesses the innate ability of animals to offer non-judgemental support and companionship. For many, forming a bond with a therapy animal can create a safe and motivating environment for personal growth in a therapeutic setting.

AAT vs. AAA: What’s the Difference?

While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there are distinctions. AAT is a structured, goal-oriented therapy involving animals as part of a treatment plan. For example, a therapist might use a dog to support a child to develop communication skills. AAA, on the other hand, is more informal, focusing on comfort and enjoyment, such as playing with a friendly pet to ease stress.

How Does Pet Therapy Work?

The specifics of pet therapy depend on individual goals. Whether it’s to reduce stress, improve motor skills, or encourage social interaction, therapy sessions are tailored to meet diverse needs. Here’s how the process unfolds:

1. Goal Setting: Therapy begins with identifying the objectives, such as improving mobility, enhancing communication, or building confidence in social situations.
2. Therapy Session: A trained handler brings the therapy animal to the session, where interactions are guided under the supervision of a professional. For example, a therapist might encourage a person to brush a dog’s fur to develop fine motor skills or talk to the animal to practice social communication.
3. Training & Certification: Both the handler and animal undergo rigorous training to ensure safety and professionalism. Animals must pass temperament testing and health checks, while therapists complete courses on therapy techniques.

Animals in Pet Therapy

While dogs and cats are the most common therapy animals, a range of species can play this role depending on therapeutic goals and preferences. Horses, rabbits, birds, fish, pigs, and even reptiles have been used in pet therapy. For instance:

• Dogs: Known for their empathy, they are ideal for reducing anxiety and fostering social skills.
• Horses: Therapeutic horse riding can improve balance, posture, and mobility, particularly for individuals with conditions like cerebral palsy.
• Small Animals: Rabbits and guinea pigs offer a calming presence and are particularly helpful for younger children or those with sensory sensitivities.

The Science Behind Pet Therapy

Studies consistently show that interacting with therapy animals can reduce stress, anxiety, and even physical discomfort. But what’s happening in the body to cause these effects?

When engaging with therapy animals, the brain releases endorphins—chemical messengers that create feelings of happiness and reduce pain. These “feel-good” hormones can have profound effects on emotional and physical well-being, from lowering blood pressure to alleviating symptoms of depression. Reference here.

Research has also demonstrated that pet therapy can enhance social engagement, increase motivation, and improve overall quality of life for individuals with diverse needs. Reference here.

Pet Therapy for People with Disabilities

Pet therapy is particularly beneficial for individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions, offering support in areas like:

• Social Interaction: Therapy animals encourage communication, helping people with sensory or developmental disabilities engage more easily.
• Skill Development: Activities like grooming or playing with an animal can improve fine motor skills, self-regulation, and confidence.
• Stress Reduction: Therapy animals provide comfort during medical treatments or stressful situations, making these experiences more manageable.

For individuals with autism, pet therapy can foster skills like empathy and emotional expression. For those with neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy, therapy involving horses can aid in improving mobility and coordination.

Pet Therapy and the NDIS

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) may fund pet therapy if it aligns with a participant’s goals, such as improving communication skills, sensory regulation, or daily living activities. However, funding is only approved if pet therapy is deemed a “reasonable and necessary” support—meaning it must be cost-effective compared to other therapies with similar outcomes.

It’s important to note that pet therapy is distinct from owning an assistance animal. While assistance animals like guide dogs provide daily support, therapy animals work exclusively within structured therapy sessions alongside professionals.

For more information about NDIS guidelines on therapy animals, visit the NDIS website.

The Benefits of Pet Therapy

Here are just a few ways pet therapy supports individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses:

• ADHD: Encourages focus and self-regulation during therapy sessions.
• Autism: Helps develop communication skills and reduce social anxiety.
• Cerebral Palsy: Therapeutic horseback riding improves posture and mobility.
• Anxiety or PTSD: Reduces stress levels and creates a sense of safety and calm.

Pet Therapy at Ability Assist

At Ability Assist, our pet therapy sessions combine the expertise of a trained therapist and the warm companionship of our therapy dog, Keanu, a King Charles Cavalier. Keanu is a vital part of our play therapy sessions, helping participants work toward goals like social engagement, sensory regulation, and self-confidence.

Ready to explore the benefits of pet therapy? Contact us at (03) 9306 1770 or send us an enquiry via our contact page today!