People had animals as friends dating back to prehistoric times. Cave drawings have shown where people and wolves sit around the same campfire. The Egyptians were buried with their pets so that they can be together forever. Their tomb walls even had drawings of their favourite cats and pet monkeys. Our ancestors believed that their pets had special powers that helped with healing. In Ancient Greece dogs were used to lick the wounds of injured people because they believed that their tongues had medicinal powers. People have also used dogs and horses during hunting expeditions for many years.

Animals are natural therapists. Their presence, love, and simple needs provide us with a feeling of wellness that is often missing in our busy everyday lifestyles. Animals are sensitive to our needs and often encourage us to be better individuals.

The first documented use of animals for therapeutic purposes was during the 9th century in Gheel, Belgium. In Gheel animals were not part of the program, however they were included in the therapy to teach disabled people how to take care of animals. In 1792 animals were used for therapy at the York Retreat in England. Discovered by the Quakers, this was one of the first places where people with brain injuries were treated like “people”. They did gardening, backyard exercises, and took care of animals like birds and rabbits as part of their therapy. Florence Nightingale was a pioneer of this type of therapy that was utilised as a form of medical treatment. In her book “Notes for Nursing”, she mentioned that “a small pet animal” serves as an “excellent companion for the sick”. She had a pet owl and said that “A pet bird in a cage is sometimes the only pleasure of an invalid confined for many years to the same room.”

Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a form of therapy that entails a specific animal with certain specific characteristics is used as a fundamental part of the individual’s treatment program. AAT was designed to improve a patient’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive functionality. It also provides the patient with educational and motivational goals. AAT can be presented on an individual basis or in a group. During the therapy the therapist keeps a record of each session so that they can evaluate the patient’s progress later.

There is large variety of animals that can be used for AAT, like dogs, cats, elephants, birds, dolphins, rabbits, and many other small animals. Horses are also very popular animals used for AAT. Using horses for AAT can be labelled as: Equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP), Equine-assisted creative living (EACL), Equine-assisted personal development (EAPD), or Hippo Therapy.

Here at the Jonathan Livingston Seagull Centre our horse riding therapy is better known as Equi-Therapy. We utilise the three dimensional natural movement of the horse and combine it with occupational therapy exercises on horseback. Therefore we present a more intensive form of therapy.

Advantages of AAT

People that own pets benefit form AAT in various ways. For example, the serenity and security of physical touch with animals that can reduce feelings of loneliness, but it also provides the opportunity to meet other people via pets. People that take care of pets are taught care and provision skills, responsibility, and the ability to keep a daily schedule. 

Physically

Taking care of a pet promotes physical activities. Think about a dog that must be exercised daily by its owner by playing with a ball or going for a walk. AAT can also have an influence on the fine motorized skills, wheelchair skills, and also increase the patient’s sense of balance. Physical activity can lower blood pressure, and also lower the risk of heart disease and strokes. Touching and playing with animals will have a positive influence and improve their senses (sensory stimulation), more specifically, it will greatly improve their sense of touch through the skin.

Psychologically

Research discovered that that AAT can be associated with a change in the outcome of Autistic symptoms, medical problems, behavioural problems, as well as emotional well-being. AAT promotes verbal interaction, self image, and reduces anxiety and fear.

Educationally

AAT helps to improve vocabulary, short & long term memory, and it promotes the concepts of size, colour, etc.

Motivationally

Many patients need internal and external motivation. AAT promotes the willingness to participate in group activities that in turn provides the necessary motivation through the animal involved.

Naturally there will always be people that criticize this form of therapy. However, it is like that with many other forms of therapy as well. It is a personal choice that must be researched thoroughly by both the patient and his or her parents.

Animal Assisted Study with Dogs