Animal Assisted Therapy

In a fast pace and populated environment, healing with animals is vastly becoming a popular means of successful application.

Close to half of the psychiatrists, psychologists, and family practice physicians responding to a survey conducted by Kal Kan pet foods, reported that they have prescribed pets for their patients as a means of combating a lack of direction, depression, the sense of being solitaire and other emotional setbacks including inactivity and stress.

In a random sampling, 57% of psychiatrists, 48% of psychologists, and 40% of family practice physicians reported recommending animals, to provide unconditional affection and companionship, to provide a focus or perspective on a daily basis, surmounted by amusement and a feeling of being needed.

People of all ages, from youth to seniors, from all walks, have had a change of heart and changed their lives thanks to the inner-emotional security that animals have gifted them with. The benefits are proven daily with growing statistics, programs and workshops contributing to the popularity.

Cats, dogs and horses are amongst the top ranked animals utilized in animal assisted therapy, however all critters are used to a certain degree across North America. Reptiles, Guinea Pigs, Mice, Birds, Hampsters , Pot Belly Pigs and other livestock have also been initiated into programs that benefit people.

Here in Alberta Canada, we at A.A.S.K. Services (Animals Alone Society of Kindness Services)have seen first hand, the joy of self discovery amongst children and are initiating new programs for isolated seniors with felines.

Children who are not permitted pets at home, benefit from our Workshops that also involve art and or a variety of crafts. These children are the more vulnerable due to parental decisions that do not permit a pet in the home environment. Parental concerns of their child wanting a pet after attending the workshops, are less threatened as the child is attending not only to visit with the animals, but is also attending to create something for themselves to keep. The animals are a fill-in and help children adjust to the lack of animals in their home environment. If they feel a desire to hold, cuddle or communicate with an animal, they know that on a certain day of the week, they WILL be able to do so, giving them something to look forward to while semi satisfying their childhood need for a pet companion. It may not be exactly what the child wishes, however they realize that coming to the workshop is better than nothing and their parents feel they have assisted in complying to their child’s needs, where the desire to have an animal in their lives is concerned. The best of both sides.

Animal Assisted Therapy is relatively new in Canada, however a no-kill shelter such as ours, finds no purpose in just holding onto animals – hoping that a great match comes along and the animals are placed into loving homes. This is not always the case, therefore research, study and hands on experience brought about the benefits that animal assisted therapy brings out in people – no matter their age group.

If you know a family member who is feeling secluded or someone who has suffered a loss, look into animal assisted therapeutic workshops before suggesting a pet, ask their physician for a professional assessment if attaining a pet is an appropriate solution – remembering that dogs need walks and that cats need litter changes. Some would benefit more from outings with a canine friend and others would be better suited to the soothing purrs of a feline companion.

There are accumulating stories of success evolving around animal companionship and therapy. Heart warming, healthy, positive reactions, are what makes animal assisted therapy so successful – simplicity and innocence is the remedy.