More Information
Animal Assisted Therapy
Animal-assisted therapy refers to formal, structured sessions which help an individual to reach specific goals in therapy. It is the planned inclusion of a companion animal into a person’s therapy or treatment plan.
Therapy is a term used for the treatment of people with mental or physical health problems. The aim of pet therapy is to help the individual recover from a physical or mental health disorder. Pet therapy is an interaction between an individual and a trained animal.
It is the use of companion animals, such as dogs and cats, to provide the opportunity to improve a person’s quality of life through recreation, motivation, and education. The intention of the therapy is to improve a person’s emotional, cognitive, social and physical functioning.
The animal is an important part of the treatment process. The interventions will usually involve the animal’s handler.
Dogs and cats are most often used in pet therapy, however, other animals can also be involved, such as horses, fish, guinea pigs and more. The animal involved in the therapy will depend on what works best with the individual concerned.
Some forms of pet therapy include caring for an animal, such as bathing, feeding, and grooming them. Other forms of therapy can include the animal being brought to the patient to interact.
The sessions are usually of a fixed time, like other forms of therapy.
Animal Assisted Activities
Animal-assisted activities are more casual meetings where an animal and the animal’s handler will interact with someone to provide comfort and recreation. They include a wide range of different types of interventions with animals and people. These can involve visiting hospitals, prisons and aged care facilities and disability community services. These tend to be more flexible and general, rather than a planned intervention as carried out in pet therapy.
The treatment goals are not usually planned for each visit but tend to be more spontaneous. They can be long or short term and can simply be meet and greet sessions for the animal and humans involved. They can vary in the time they last.
ANIMALS USED IN PET THERAPY
Different animals are used in pet therapy. Dogs and cats are the most used. However, other animals such as horses, guinea pigs, fish, and lizards can make therapy pets of a different kind. The type of animal depends on what the person is comfortable with, their treatment plan and therapeutic goals.
Snakes and lizards (or other reptiles) may not seem an obvious choice in pet therapy, but it has been noted that attachment bonds can be formed. Research on lizards and snakes shows that they will recognise the people who handle, care for them, and feed them.
Some may even raise their necks or bodies upward in a fashion which suggests they are seeking out affection. Reptiles can be a nice alternative to people who suffer from hair or dander allergies, or do not wish to have dogs or cats due to phobias or cultural factors, or simply suit those who find reptiles exotic and attractive.
Rabbits may be another option for people who may be allergic to dogs and cats. Rabbits do not require the same level of time, care and attention as dogs or cats. They do have personality and energy which makes them enjoyable as pets. They can also be kept inside or outside to suit your needs.
Some rabbits can freely roam around your home or be kept in an enclosure or cage. It is up to the person to determine the confinements and freedoms of their pet rabbit.
Birds are another good alternative species for people who do not want a dog or cat. Birds can encourage social interactions. Some birds can mimic human speech but even the ones who do not, we can talk to them. Teaching tricks and talking to a bird can help promote healthy cognitive functions.
Many doctors, dentists, residential or care homes, and medical facilities have aquariums. This is because watching fish has been proven to calm heart rate and reduce stress. Aquariums are another excellent option for pet therapy.
A therapist, health professional or psychologist will administer the pet therapy. The animal’s trained handler will take the animal to every meeting and work alongside the therapist to help the client to achieve their goals. The handler may be paid or a volunteer.
In all the suggestions of animal species outlined above, it is important that council or local government regulations are adhered to in your location. Some regions may prohibit the keeping of certain species as pets, in some cases licences or permits may be required.
In all cases, it is important for animal handlers and pet owners to be familiar with the basic needs of the animal and be fully capable to meeting those needs.
The first step is to find a suitable animal. There may be a list of suitable handlers and pets available to the pet therapist and they may work with them regularly.
Before working with a client, it is important that a pet therapist and handler check that the pet can be used in that capacity. This will include factors such as –
- An examination of the animal to ensure it is free of disease
- Up to date immunisations
- Obedience training sessions to ensure that the pet is properly controlled and trained
- Training for the handler and pet on how to interact with the clients
- An evaluation of the animal’s behaviour and temperament
- An evaluation of the behaviour of the animal and handler together
- Some organisations will require a certificate to confirm that the handler and pet can work with clients. Not all will.
When the handler and animal are approved, the animal will then be assigned to clients depending on the client’s individual needs and requirements. This will also be influenced by the client’s wishes. For example, some clients may love cats but fearful of dogs.
The type of animal, its breed, size, age and behaviour will also determine where it will be most useful. For example, some clients may love small dogs but fear larger dogs. Whereas other clients may like the idea of being able to hug a larger dog.
At the first session, proper pet handling and safety will be discussed with the client.
Where?
Pet therapy can be carried out in many different locations. It may be carried out in the person’s home, but also in other facilities, such as nursing homes, care homes, community centres, prisons or at facilities with specialised equipment e.g., horse riding centres or aquariums. It can also be carried out in more unusual places. For example, some restaurants in the United Kingdom offer lunch time pet therapy group meetups, where people who have lost their partner or spouse, can meet with others and enjoy some pet therapy at the same time as social connection with others.
Who?
We will explore more of specific people that will benefit from pet therapy, but generally a wide range of people will benefit from pet therapy. For example –
- People undergoing treatments, such as chemotherapy
- People who have had recent surgery or treatments
- People who are about to have surgery or a treatment and are worried about it
- People with cardiovascular disease
- People in residential care or other care facilities
- People with depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions
- People with PTSD
- People who are grieving
- People who are lonely
- People with neurocognitive deficits with dementia
- People who would like to improve their:
- Joint movement
- Motor skills (such as people who have recently had a stroke and need to regain their motor skills)
- Exercise levels
- Social skills
- Verbal communication
- Socialisation
- Movement
- Self esteem
Really, anyone can benefit from pet therapy. Having a pet present during a medical or dental procedure can be calming. During rehabilitation, people may be more motivated to practice their therapy when they are working alongside a pet.
Obviously, there can be health and hygiene issues here, but the medical practitioners will consider this when deciding on pet therapy routines with a person.
FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.
General
Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning?
A. Here at ADL, our students are our priority – we treat everyone as a unique individual.
Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, as each module has been written by highly qualified industry professionals. The content of the material is presented in such a way that text books are not required. However, if you require additional reading your tutor will be able to supply a list.
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A. It’s OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.
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A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however, have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.
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A. Our courses are revised and updated on a rotation system.
Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy?
A. Yes. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.
Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students?
A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.
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Q. When can I enrol/start?
A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.
Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world?
A. Our courses are available to anyone, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. The course content is relevant to any country, culture or economy.
Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you.
Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.
Assessment
Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.
Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. You may elect to undertake a Project (set by your tutor) instead of sitting the exam. Projects are completed from your home and can usually take a couple of weeks to complete.
Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –
Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.
Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country.
Qualifications
Q. What qualification will I receive?
A. For individual modules, you would be awarded a Certificate endorsed by TQUK (Training Qualifications, UK), providing you complete all assignments and the exam. If you just want to complete only the assignments and not sit for the exam or finish a Project, then a Letter of Achievement would be awarded. For more details on qualifications available please click here.
Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?
A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to Design Your Own Diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. You choose modules that you think will help you in achieving your goal.
Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.
Tutors
Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.
Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.
Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.
