Benefits of Animal-Assisted Activities / Therapy

What are some of the Benefits of AAA/AAT?

Research studies confirm that AAA/AAT can play an important role in the physical and social / emotional well-being of many people:

• Increases self-esteem
• Improves reality orientation
• Promotes relaxation
• Decreases anxiety
• Brightens mood and brings smiles to faces
• Provides a healthy outlet for positive touch
• Serves as a diversion when pain or discomfort are present
• Fosters nurturing and play
• Serves as a communication bridge between patient and medical staff where normal communication has been impossible
• Provides emotional support to family members and staff
• Serves to motivate patients in specific, goal-oriented therapy sessions
• Motivates children to practice their reading skills in classroom settings

Most importantly, therapy dogs provide unconditional love and acceptance to those who need it the most.