Animal Assisted Therapy

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Animal Assisted Therapy — Evidence & Practitioners | Gyfts

Background

Origin & History

Therapeutic use of animals has been described in healthcare and rehabilitation contexts for decades; contemporary practice emphasizes structured protocols, provider training, and animal welfare standards.

The practice

How It Works

Animal Assisted Therapy involves structured interactions between a person and a trained animal (commonly dogs, horses, or cats) under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider or therapist. The animal's presence and engagement is thought to trigger physiological responses—including lowered cortisol and blood pressure, increased oxytocin release—whilst simultaneously providing emotional comfort, a sense of purpose, and non-judgmental companionship. Sessions are tailored to individual needs and may involve petting, playing, walking, or simply being present with the animal; the therapeutic mechanism operates through both the sensory and emotional dimensions of human-animal interaction, combined with the structure and intention the therapist brings to the encounter.

What to Expect in a Session

AAT sessions are typically integrated into a broader care plan (e.g., psychotherapy, occupational therapy, rehabilitation). Activities are designed around therapeutic goals and may include interaction, guided tasks, or skills practice with careful attention to safety and the animal’s well-being.

Evidence Assessment

Systematic reviews suggest AAT may support certain mental health and psychosocial outcomes in specific populations, but evidence quality varies and many studies have methodological limitations. Standards and animal welfare guidelines are important for risk management.

Evidence varies by condition and individual response. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

References

1.Villarreal-Zegarra, D., Yllescas-Panta, T., Malaquias-Obregon, S., DÃ¡maso-RomÃ¡n, A., & Mayo-Puchoc, N. (2024). Effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy and pet-robot interventions in reducing depressive symptoms among older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 80, 103023. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2024.103023
2.Rehn, A. K., Caruso, V. R., & Kumar, S. (2023). The effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 50, 101719. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101719
3.International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations. (2018). IAHAIO definitions for animal assisted intervention and guidelines for wellness of animals involved in AAI (White Paper). https://iahaio.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/iahaio_wp_updated-2018-final.pdf

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AAT the same as having a pet for comfort?

No. AAT is typically structured and goal-oriented within a therapeutic plan, delivered or directed by trained professionals.

What animals are used?

Commonly dogs, but programs may use other species depending on setting, training, and welfare standards.

How is safety managed?

Programs screen participants for contraindications, follow infection-control policies, and adhere to training and animal welfare guidelines.

What animals are used in animal-assisted therapy and for what purposes?

Dogs are the most widely used in formal AAT programmes, particularly therapy dogs in hospitals, schools, and mental health settings — with substantial evidence for anxiety and stress reduction, increased social engagement, and pain perception management. Horses are central to equine-assisted therapy, particularly for emotional regulation, trauma, PTSD, and autism. Cats, rabbits, and guinea pigs are used in care settings and with children. Dolphins have been used in dolphin-assisted therapy, though evidence is limited and ethical concerns exist around captivity. The key across species is the non-judgmental, responsive presence of the animal.

Is animal-assisted therapy evidence-based?

Yes, with meaningful variation by application. The evidence is strongest for dog-assisted interventions in acute care settings — multiple RCTs show reduced anxiety, lower cortisol, and reduced pain perception in hospital patients. Equine-assisted therapy has moderate evidence for PTSD (particularly in veterans), autism, and at-risk youth. AAT for dementia shows consistent positive effects on agitation, mood, and social engagement. The mechanism is well-understood: animal interaction stimulates oxytocin release, reduces cortisol, and activates affiliative neural circuits. A 2019 meta-analysis found significant effects across anxiety, depression, and social functioning.

Ask Vidi about Animal Assisted Therapy

Origin & History

How It Works

How It Works

What to Expect in a Session

References

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Is This For?

Best for

Not ideal for

Commonly used for

PTSD & Trauma

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Autism spectrum disorder

Depression & Low Mood

Social Isolation

Anxiety

Chronic Stress

Trauma

Dementia

Symptoms practitioners commonly work with