They are not saving lives, they are working to make lives a little better. Somewhere in the world a patient lies on the threshold of death. The setting could be a hospital, hospice, or home. There is very little that doctors and family members can do to help someone who is dying, but there is one very special final gift that can be offered to that loved one. Most often this gift is offered by a stranger, but it doesn’t matter, because where animals are involved there are no strangers.
Patients in hospice are not the only beneficiaries of animal-assisted therapy. These teams are in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, prisons and other places in the community making a difference.
Pet Therapy
Animal-assisted therapy was formerly known as “pet therapy.” The name was changed from “pet therapy” to keep up with the changes in our vernacular. “Pet therapy” is confusing as it can mean therapy for a pet. And it’s considered politically correct to call your cat or dog a “companion animal” rather than a pet, hence the change.
As more and more people are retiring or becoming unemployed, there seems to be more interest in this very important field. It’s not difficult to become an animal-assisted therapist, all it takes is a little energy, time and a very nice companion animal.
Animal-Assisted Therapy Programs
Presently, there are no universal rules that mandate that an animal be certified or registered as a therapy animal in order for them to visit facilities such as hospitals, hospices, assisted-living facilities, schools or prisons. However, most of those institutions have their own policy that requires anyone bringing in a therapy animal be certified with an agency.
There are two major recognized certification agencies: The Delta Society and Therapy Dog International. There are also small, regional groups that will certify animals but those groups are not generally recognized except in a particular community. Therapy Dog International certifies only dogs; the Delta Society accepts most species of companion animals including horses, dogs, cats, rabbits, chickens, pigs, guinea pigs, etc.
How Do I Become an Animal-Assisted Therapist?
Those considering becoming involved as an animal-assisted therapist should ask themselves the following preliminary questions:
- Is my animal outgoing and “seeking interaction” with people or does s/he stay by my side and avoid contact with strangers?
- Do I have the right personality to become an animal-assisted therapist? Am I outgoing, friendly and easy to talk to? Do I have the time to make the commitment as a volunteer?
- Is my animal in good health or does s/he the victim of a disease or disorder that may make him or her “act out” when s/he is not feeling well.
- Is my animal well trained and well mannered?
- Are there facilities in my immediate geographical area where my therapy animal will be welcomed?
This very short assessment will help you begin the process. Anyone can become an animal-assisted therapist, it’s not required to have a degree in psychology or anything, for that matter.
Animal-Assisted Therapy and Animal-Assisted Activity
There is some confusion about the difference between an animal-assisted therapy (AAT) and an animal-assisted activity (AAA.) AAT is where a physician or therapist will write up “orders” for AAT. These orders may include “The patient is to reach out and stroke the dog successfully,” or “The patient should ask the dog to respond to certain commands.” These orders are intended to assist the patient in reaching a particular level in their healing process.
AAA is where an animal-assisted therapy team will simply spend time with a patient, student, prisoner, etc. During AAA the therapist may present a humane education lesson or a student may read to the animal, or the animal is simply present to brighten up the persons’ day.
Those interested in becoming an animal-assisted therapist should visit the websites of either the Delta Society or TDI and explore the possibilities. It does take a little initiative and training, but in the end it’s very much worth it.
Michelle Rivera - Michelle A. Rivera is the author of several books including HOSPICE HOUNDS, Animals and Healing at the Borders of Death; CANINES IN THE ...
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