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Defined by the Delta Society Standards of Practice (1996):

“AAT is a goal-directed intervention in which an animal that meets specific criteria is an integral part of the treatment process. AAT is directed and/or delivered by a health/human service professional with specialised expertise and within the scope of practice of his/her profession. AAT is designed to promote improvement in human physical, social, emotional and/or cognitive functioning. AAT is provided in a variety of settings and may be group or individual in nature. The process is documented and evaluated.”

AAI/T involves the use of animals for therapeutic benefit and has been evidenced as effective.

There are many examples of therapeutic human-animal interactions in programs run all over the world. AAT has been successfully employed to treat a variety of impairments including neurological deficits, anxiety and behavioural disorders.

Where assessed as appropriate, MaxIndependence uses the therapeutic bond between human and animal as a mode of treatment to promote improvement in a variety impairments in a variety of client groups, including neurological rehabilitation. MaxIndependence is committed to maintaining gold standards of intervention, ensuring the highest levels of safety for the client and the animal involved throughout the process. MaxIndependence use PAT tested and accredited animals for intervention, and involve the skills of the animal handler in the intervention wherever possible.

Brief examples of how AAI/T may be used:

• Improving visual attention in a client with brain injury - throwing a ball for a dog and tracking the animal as it ‘fetches’.
• Improving posture in sitting for a client with Multiple Sclerosis - Grooming a dog lying on a plinth.
• Improving the use of an affected upper limb in a client who has had a stroke - Preparing and feeding a dog treats for carrying out ‘tricks’.
• Stimulating memories and discussion in a client with dementia - petting a cat/dog and talking about previous pets.

For further information on AAI/T or to discuss how AAI/T may be used within specific treatment please do not hesitate to contact us at MaxIndependence to discuss.

Links

• Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS)
• Blue Cross
• International Association of Human Animal Interaction Organisations (IAHAIO)
• Pets As Therapy (PAT)
• Cinnamon Trust
• Assistance Dogs UK (AD(UK))
• Guide Dogs for the Blind Association (GDBA)
• International Society for Animal Assisted Therapy (ISAAT)
• Hearing Dogs for Deaf People (HDDP)