Overview

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) involves using trained animals to help people cope with or recover from different health conditions.

AAT might help reduce stress and promote relaxation. It might also reduce feelings of loneliness. AAT that involves physical touch might stimulate pleasure in the brain. This seems to promote relaxation and well-being. AAT might also work by distracting patients from pain and activating comforting thoughts.

People use AAT for anxiety. It is also used for pain, muscle strength, dementia, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

  • Anxiety. A single session of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) reduces anxiety in adults and children. Dogs are the most common animal used in AAT for anxiety. It's not clear if AAT helps reduce anxiety long-term.

There is interest in using AAT for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects



Special Precautions and Warnings



Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is likely safe when used appropriately along with standard treatments. AAT should not be used in place of standard treatments.

Some people might be allergic to certain animals used in AAT. There have also been reports of animals carrying diseases that have been transmitted to patients. Animals used for AAT should always be screened by a veterinarian.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if AAT is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. But there's no reason to suspect safety concerns when used correctly.

Children: AAT is likely safe when used appropriately.

Interactions

We currently have no information for Animal-Assisted Therapy overview.

Dosing

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is used in various ways. Specific goals of treatment are set before therapy starts. Animals are selected based on their friendliness and companionship. The most commonly used animals are dogs, which allow for the best level of interaction. But cats, birds, fish, horses, and other animals have also been used for therapeutic purposes.

AAT is used in mental health treatment sessions, group therapy, recreation therapy, activity therapy, and day-treatment programs. Seek and follow relevant directions from your physician or other healthcare professional before using this treatment.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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