OVERVIEW

This guide is a reference to those interested in

learning how to incorporate animals into
services, programs and treatments to improve the
lives of humans. The first section describes
service and support animals, including
regulations for certification, identification and
training of animals. The remaining sections focus
on trained therapy animals and their application.
It begins with describing the types of therapy
animals, animal-wellness guidelines, types of
interventions and methods to incorporate therapy
animals into a variety of professions. Further
sections explain the three categories of animal-
assisted interventions, including animal-assisted
education (to improve reading comprehension
and empathy in schools), animal-assisted
activities (to provide emotional support for crisis
victims, and patients in hospitals, nursing homes,
colleges, airports and at-risk youth) and animal-
assisted therapy (to enhance efficacy of treatment
ANIMAL-ASSISTED in psychotherapy, social work, physical and
INTERACTIONS occupational therapy, and speech therapy). The
final section, describes the use of horses in
A Resource Guide various types of interventions. It explains how
the size, natural movement, and emotional
sensitivity of a horse can enhance treatment,
including those commonly used to treat victims
of trauma, rehabilitation in occupational and
physical therapy, developmental disability, and
similar animal-assisted activities used with other
animals.
James DeCarli, Ph.D., MPH, MPA, PGDip, MCHES
Public Health Behavior Solutions/Pro Consumer Safety

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Animal-Assisted Interactions: A Resource Guide Page 1

About This Guide

This resource guide was designed as an addendum to a Healthy Pets Healthy Families Forum
for Los Angeles County, Veterinary Public Health, on “Animal-Assisted Therapy:
Applications and Strategies”, presented on October 29, 2019. It can also can be used as a
general resource on applied animal-assisted interactions and animal-assisted interventions
(AAI), for educators, librarians, speech pathologists, mental health professionals (including
Mental Health Interns), healthcare professionals, physical and occupational therapists,
emergency medical professionals, public health professionals (health educators and program
planners) veterinarians (including Veterinary Technicians) and other interested professionals.
It provides an overview of animal-assisted interventions and how the use of therapy animals
can enhance programs and treatments in a variety of professions. Animal-assisted interactions
includes utilizing an animal to improve the lives of humans. It is a subset of Anthrozoology,
the study of interactions and relationships between humans and animals. The human-animal
bond helps to reduce anxiety, grief, depression, isolation and blood pressure, designating
animals as benefit to humans. The human-animal bond also helps to redirect attention and
sensation of pain to help improve therapeutic completion and outcome.
Incorporating animals into educational programs, physical and occupational treatments and
mental health interventions is expanding rapidly. While many studies show efficacy, we must
take caution and understand the study design. Many studies incorporating animals into
programs lack a non-treatment control group; have insufficient number of study subjects; rely
on self- reports instead of objective measures; lack long-term follow-up evaluation; no blind
observations to control for unconscious bias from researchers; and have not had formal
manuals that describe treatment procedures, necessary for standardization and replication
(Herzog, 2014). However, more recently, research methodology on the study of AAI’s is
beginning to improve. As an example, the Human-Animal Interaction Scale and Manual was
developed to improve measurement of human-animal interactions (Fournier, 2016). Some
professions are also beginning to incorporate animal-assisted therapy as a standard treatment
plan, such as those in Occupational and Physical Therapy. Universities, governmental agencies
and professional organizations are continuing to enhance research methods and results are
slowly showing benefit of incorporating animals into treatment and programs. Incorporating
trained therapy animals into treatment and programs include a wide range of benefits, such as
to help those with physical and mental health challenges, helping children to improve reading
skills, providing emotional support to patients in hospitals and nursing homes, and to victims
of trauma during crisis events. Therapy animals are also used to improve therapeutic outcomes

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for those with developmental disability, physical injury rehabilitation, Autism, post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD), addiction, victims of traumatic experiences, including but not limited
to, child abuse and neglect, intimate partner violence, and youth violence.
Trained therapy animals have a wide range of therapeutic applications. As AAI’s expand in
use, research and application, professionals can learn how to incorporate trained therapy
animals into their programs and services to help improve therapeutic outcomes for their
patients and clients. Because animal-assisted interventions offer an extensive use of
applications to various professions, this guide is designed for potential professionals to educate
them on the opportunities and benefits of incorporating animals to improve programs. An
opportunity, that can bring benefit to both animals and humans.

The goal of therapy is not to

explain things to a patient
or client, but to provide
them with an opportunity to
understand and discover
self-awareness.

J. DeCarli,
Equine Empowerment Center

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CONTENTS
Page

About This Guide 1

SECTION 1: Assistance Animals (Service & Emotional Support) 5

1.1 Description of Assistance Animals 5

1.1 Description of Assistance Animals 5
1.2 Assistance Animal Regulation 5
1.3 Assistance Animals Permitted Location by Regulation 5
1.4 Assistance Animal Certification 6
1.5 Assistance Animal Identification 6
1.6 Questions that can be asked about an individual with an animal 6
1.7 Resources 7

SECTION 2: Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI) 8

2.1 Types of Animals used for AAI’s 8
2.2 Guidelines for Incorporating Therapy Animals into AAI’s 8
2.3 Animal Wellness – AVMA Guidelines for AAI’s 9
2.4 Participants Involved with Leading AAI’s 9
2.5 Categories of AAI’s 9
2.6 AAI’s Applied to Education Profession 10
2.7 AAI’s Applied to Speech and Language Therapy Profession 10
2.8 AAI’s Applied to Occupational and Physical Therapy Professions 10
2.9 AAI’s Applied to Mental Health Profession 11
2.10 AAI’s Applied to Healthcare (other than Occupational/Physical Therapy) 11
2.11 AAI’s Applied to Emergency Medical Services/First Responder Profession 12
2.12 AAI’s Applied to Public Health Profession 12
2.13 AAI’s Applied to Veterinary Profession 13
2.14 Profession by Application, Purpose and Type of AAI 14

SECTION 3: Animal-Assisted Education (AAE) 15

3.1 AVMA Definition for AAE’s 15
3.2 Animal-assisted Reading Program 15
3.3 Reading Program – Organizations, Programs and Resources 16
3.4 Humane Education 16
3.5 Humane Education – Organizations, Programs and Resources 16

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Page
SECTION 4: Animal-Assisted Activities (AAA) 17
4.1 AVMA Definition for AAA’s 17
4.2 Animal-Assisted Crisis Response 17
4.3 Animal-Assisted Crisis Response – Organizations, Programs & Resources 18
4.4 Animal-Assisted Animal Hospital Visit 18
4.5 Recommended Guidelines for Animals in Healthcare Facilities 19
4.6 Animal-Assisted Hospital Visit – Organizations, Programs & Resources 19
4.7 Animal-Assisted Nursing Home Visit 20
4.8 Animal-Assisted Nursing Home Visit - Organizations, Programs & Resources 20
4.9 AAA for At-Risk or Delinquent Youth 20
4.10 AAA for At-Risk or Delinquent Youth - Organizations, Programs & Resources 21
4.11 Stress Reduction-University & Airports 21
4.12 Stress Reduction-University & Airports - Organizations, Programs & Resources 21 19
SECTION 5: Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) 22
5.1 AVMA Definition for AAT’s 22
5.2 Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy 22
5.3 Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy - Organizations, Programs & Resources 23
5.4 Animal-Assisted Social Work 24
5.5 Animal-Assisted Social Work - Organizations, Programs & Resources 24
5.6 Animal-Assisted Physical Therapy 25
5.7 Animal-Assisted Physical Therapy - Organizations, Programs & Resources 25
5.8 Animal-Assisted Speech Therapy 25
5.9 Animal-Assisted Speech Therapy - Organizations, Programs & Resources 26
5.10 Animal-Assisted Paraprofessional AAT Service Model 26

SECTION 6: Equine-Assisted Interventions 27

6.1 Equine-Assisted Interventions – Professional Certification Organizations 27
6.2 Equine-Assisted Activities 28
6.3 Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT) 28
6.4 Hippotherapy (HPOT) 28
6.5 Equine-Facilitated/Assisted Psychotherapy 29
6.6 Equine-Facilitates/Assisted Learning 30
6.7 Therapeutic Carriage Driving (TCD) 30
6.8 Therapeutic Vaulting (TV) 30
SECTION 7: References, Books and Resources 31
7.1 References 31
7.2 Books 33
7.2 Resources 34

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Section 1: Assistance Animals (Service & Emotional Support)

Assistance animals, an animal-assisted interaction that includes animals

that are either trained to perform a specific task for an individual with
disability or are not-trained, but has been designated by a mental health
professional, that a specific animal provides emotional support to a specific
individual.

1.1 DESCRIPTION OF ASSISTANCE ANIMALS

Service Animal A dog or miniature horse, “trained” to perform specific tasks for
an individual with disability
Emotional Support Any domestic “non-trained” animal, where a licensed mental
Animal (ESA) health professional has designated that the specific animal
provides emotional support to a specific individual with disability

1.2 ASSISTANCE ANIMAL REGULATION

Americans with Air Carrier Fair
Disability Act (ADA) Access Act Housing Act
Service Animal Yes Yes Yes
Service Animal In-Training No No Yes
Emotional Support Animal No Yes Yes

1.3 ASSISTANCE ANIMALS PERMITTED LOCATION BY REGULATION

Service Animal In- Emotional
Service Animal Training Support Animal
Housing Yes Yes Yes
Hotels Yes No1 No
Airlines Yes No1 Yes
Public Transit Yes No1 No
Restaurants Yes No1 No
Kitchen Food Prep No No No
Sterile Rooms No No No
Jail/Prison Cells No No No
Churches No No No
Private Clubs No No No
1
Can vary depending on company

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1.4 ASSISTANCE ANIMAL CERTIFICATION

Training Proof of Training Proof of
Certification
Service Animal Yes1 No No
Emotional Support Animal No No No2
1
Trained to perform a specific task for an individual with disability
2
Letter from licensed mental health professional designating that the specific animal
provides emotional support for a designated individual with disability

1.5 ASSISTANCE ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION

Visible Identification Verified Paper
Identification
Service Animal None None
Service Animal In-Training None None
Emotional Support Animal None Yes1
1
Including a letter from licensed mental health professional designating that the specific
animal provides emotional support for a designated individual with disability

1.6 QUESTIONS THAT CAN BE ASKED ABOUT AN INDIVIDUAL WITH AN

ANIMAL
1 Is the animal required because of a disability?
2 What tasks or functions does the animal provide for you?
3 What has the animal been trained to do?
4 Would you describe how the animal performs this task or function for you?
Note: Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the
following questions are not allowed:
• Can your pet demonstrate these tasks or functions?
• What type or severity of disability do you have?

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1.7 RESOURCES
1. FAIR HOUSING ACT: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
[Link]
2. AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA): U.S. Department of Justice,
Civil Rights Division [Link]
3. AIR CARRIERS ACCESS ACT: U.S. Department of Transportation
a. Service Animals & Emotional Support Animals (ESA) – Includes airlines staff
training video [Link]
protection/service-animals-including-emotional-support-animals
b. Service Animal Guidance
[Link]
[Link]/sites/[Link]/files/docs/20030509_1.pdf
c. Air Travel With Animals – Brochure (pdf)
[Link]
[Link]
4. ADA INFORMATION & GUIDANCE: Service Animals and Emotional Support
Animals
[Link]

5. MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONA’S ROLE IN EVALUATING THE NEED

FOR EMOTIONAL SUPPORT ANIMALS – (video)
[Link]

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Section 2: Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI)

Animal-assisted interventions (AAI) are structured and goal-oriented

interactions that incorporate therapy animals into health and human services
and education, to improve traditional therapy and educational activities.
AAI’s differ greatly from assistance animals that are regulated to provide
service or emotional. AAI’s include Animal-assisted activities (AAA),
Animal-assisted education (AAE), and Animal-assisted therapy (AAT).

2.1 TYPES OF ANIMALS USED FOR AAI’S

Depending on the therapeutic approach, the following domesticated animals are
used for AAI’s
Dogs Guinea Pigs Miniature Horses
Cats Birds Cows
Rabbits Rats Goats
Gerbils Horses Chickens
Note: Non-domesticated animals are not well socialized, unpredictable and can cause
harm to others, therefor are not recommended for AAI’s

2.2 GUIDELINES FOR INCORPORATING THERAPY ANIMALS INTO AAI’S1

Requirements of Animal Preparation of Animal Handler Guidelines
• Excellent Temperament • Certification-obedience • Protect animal
• Calm & gentle around training • Remove from stressful
people • Walk comfortably on situations
• Does not react to unusual leash • Provide animal with
sights, sounds, smell • Sit, stay, come & lie breaks, walks, play time –
• Obedient & follows down on command with favorite toys, etc.
directions • Ability to ignore a • Have fresh water
• Maintains self-control after neutral dog available at all times
play • Maintains self-control • Maintain grooming
• Ability to sit quietly for • Refrain from aggressive • Establish a safe space
extended periods responses away from stimulation
• Navigate through crowded during sessions
environments • Generally, chooses the
• Attentive to handler most appropriate therapy
animal for specific client
and/or treatment
1
Training resource: [Link]

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2.3 ANIMAL WELLNESS – AVMA GUIDELINES FOR AAI’S

Veterinarians play a vital role to ensure the health and well-being of animals and humans
involved in AAI’s. Common concerns among veterinarians are zoonotic disease risk and
behavioral problems of the animal. For this reason, it is recommended that veterinarians be
actively involved in AAI programs to ensure the health and welfare of the animal and humans
involved. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) provide strategies for an
effective wellness program to provide assurance that animals involved in AAI’s are healthy
(reducing bi-directional risk of zoonotic transmission), behaviorally appropriate for the
specific AAI program, and protected from being harmed by participating in the AAI program.
In part, the AVMA has updated AAI preventive medical and behavioral strategies for animals
participating in AAI’s, which can be accessed online at the following link
[[Link]

2.4 PARTICIPANTS INVOLVED WITH LEADING AAI’S

Handler • The human that cares for and leads the animal(s)
• Also trained for ensuring the needs of the animal(s)
Therapy Animal • Handler
Team • Trained Animal
Educator • Mental health professional
• Physical or Occupational Therapist
• Speech-Language Pathologist
• Teacher, Librarian, etc.

2.5 CATEGORIES OF AAI’S

Animal-Assisted Animal-Assisted Activities Animal-Assisted Therapy
Education (AAE)1 (AAA)1 (AAT)2
• Animal-Assisted • Animal-Assisted Crisis • Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy
Reading Program Response • Animal-Assisted Social Work
• Humane Education • Therapy Animal Hospital Visit • Animal-Assisted Physical
• Therapy Animal Nursing Therapy
Home Visit • Animal-Assisted Speech
• AAA for At-risk or Delinquent Therapy
Youth • Animal-Assisted
• Stress Reduction – Airports & Paraprofessional AAT Service
University Model
(1)
Informal activities with trained therapy animals
(2)
Formal activities with trained therapy animals

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2.6 AAI’S APPLIED TO EDUCATION PROFESSION

Incorporating a trained therapy animal in an educational setting such as in a classroom, school
activity, or library provides a calming effect among students. It improves academic
participation and performance, stress reduction in the classroom, test-taking, listening skills,
self-confidence, empathy, and bullying prevention (Daly, 2010; Jalongo, 2004; Thompson,
2003). Similarly, therapy animals in educational settings, reduces blood pressure, anxiety, and
depression, and improves interaction among students and teachers. In addition to academics,
animals are also used in at the elementary level in classrooms, school assembly and libraries
on humane education, regarding empathy and protection of human-animal interaction. There
are national training organizations that provide training of animals such as Pet Partners. The
National Education Association and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
provide programs and resources. See Section-3 (Animal-Assisted Reading Program) and
Section-4 (Humane Education) for further application.

2.7 AAI’S APPLIED TO SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY PROFESSION

Incorporating a trained therapy animal into traditional speech and language therapy improves
participation and motivation of the client. Animal-assisted speech therapy is planned, goal-
oriented and evaluated. It is provided by a licensed speech-language pathologist, to help
improve a patient’s treatment plan. Sometimes they are used to reduce anxiety of the client,
sometimes used to be part of the treatment strategy, such as speaking a command to the animal,
where the animal has been trained to respond with correct speech. Incorporating animals into
speech therapy has been shown to enhance traditional speech and language therapies
(Macauley, 2006). See Section-5 (Animal-Assisted Speech Therapy and Animal-Assisted
Paraprofessional AAT Service Model) for further application.

2.8 AAI’S APPLIED TO OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY AND PHYSICAL THERAPY

PROFESSIONS
Animals are incorporated into occupational therapy and physical therapy treatment plans
through AAT, as discussed in Section-5 and Section-6. Incorporating animals into therapy, is
becoming more common due to its ability to improve treatment outcomes. Both the American
Occupational Therapy Association (ATOA) and the American Physical Therapy Association
(APTA) recognize Animal-assisted interactions and interventions as a formal method of
treatment. Trained animals are incorporated into therapy by a certified Occupational Therapist
or certified Physical Therapist. It is shown that trained therapy animals help to improve
motivation of the patient to participate in treatment and rehabilitation from disability or injury
(Braun, 2009). See Section-5 (Animal-assisted Physical Therapy and Animal-assisted
Paraprofessional AAT Service Model) and Section-6 (Equine-assisted Interactions) for
further application.

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2.9 AAI’S APPLIED TO MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSION

Incorporating trained therapy animals into traditional psychotherapy is shown to enhance
traditional therapy strategies. The trained therapy animal is part of the clinical mental health
treatment session. Licensed mental health professionals (Licensed Clinical Social Worker,
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, etc.) work directly with the client, the trained
therapy-animal, and the animal handler. The human-animal bond helps to divert attention,
reduce stress and anxiety, and improve self-regulation and personal boundaries. It is beneficial
for individual and group therapy, where one or more animals can be used to improve treatment
outcomes. It has been shown to improve treatment outcome for those for clients with
depression, addiction, schizophrenia, autism, other behavioral issues and victims of abuse and
trauma (Kamioka, 2014; Fine, 2010; Stewart, 2016; Steward, 2013). Mental health
professionals are also involved in animal-assisted interactions, with animal-assisted social
work, where licensed mental health professionals provide pet loss and grief counseling and
human-animal abuse prevention and reporting. It also provides veterinarian hospital staff with
therapy to reduce compassion fatigue in workplace wellness, and also to promote health and
overall wellness to those who work at animal hospitals and clinics. To establish certification
training, the Animal-assisted Paraprofessional AAT Service Model provides training for
graduate students studying social work, and marriage and family therapy, in the mental health
professions. See Section-5 (Animal-assisted Psychotherapy and Animal-assisted
Paraprofessional AAT Service Model) and Section-6 (Equine-assisted Interactions) for
further application.

2.10 AAI’S APPLIED TO HEALTHCARE PROFESSION (other than Occupational

and Physical Therapy)
Trained therapy animals are used in AAA, where animal handlers bring a trained therapy
animal to hospitals, both inpatient and outpatient, hospice and nursing homes. This is planned
and goal oriented, where trained therapy animals provide an informal interaction with patients.
It is coordinated with the animal handler and healthcare professional or other service provider.
When the therapy animal visits a hospital or nursing home, it helps to reduce anxiety and blood
pressure, pain and emotional stress (especially for surgical patients), and improves feelings of
overall wellness (Kathie, 2007; Marcus, 2012; Sarpell, 2010). See Section-4 (Animal-assisted
Activities) for further application.

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2.11 AAI’S APPLIED TO EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES/FIRST

RESPONDERS PROFESSIONS
As part of AAA, trained therapy animals are taken, by their handlers to victims of trauma to
help provide comfort and emotional support to victims and responders (Chandler, 2012).
Animal handlers are also trained and then recruited by organizations to provide service. Many
therapy animal handlers provide service directly to local emergency medical services, such as
fire, law enforcement and other local, state and federal agencies. Because therapy animals help
to reduce anxiety and blood pressure, as well as emotional stress, these are helpful to victims
of trauma, including fire, school shooting, suicide, natural disasters, relationship or family
violence, and other community crises (Graham, 2009; Eaton-Stull, 2015). Animals and their
handler are trained accordingly to handle working in crisis situations to cope with stressful
environments, while ensuring safety of the animal and handler (National Standards Committee
for Animal-assisted Crisis Response, 2010). See Section-4 (Animal-assisted Activities) for
further application.

2.12 AAI’S APPLIED TO PUBLIC HEALTH PROFESSION

The efficacy of the human-animal bond provides the public health profession with a method
to improve public health prevention interventions. While public health is population based,
AAA can be a beneficial strategy for health educators, program planners and epidemiologists
to incorporate into levels of prevention strategies, including but not limited to injury and
violence prevention programs (youth and school violence, suicide, drugs and addiction, etc.),
to unintentional injury program education (Kamioka, 2014; Fine, 2010). The human-animal
bond offers a range of opportunity to improve public health interventions and planning, as
incorporating animals can help divert attention, reduce stress and anxiety, improve self-
regulation, and self-confidence and boundaries. It also provides a benefit to community
wellness, school-based programs, violence prevention, and health education program
planning. In addition, trained therapy animals can also be incorporated into workplace
wellness programs, including both private and public agencies, to help reduce stress and sick-
days, and improve moral, productivity and overall wellness in the workplace. Animal-assisted
therapy, can also be applied to the development of public health interventions, research, and
evaluation, especially in the area of intentional injury, such as youth and school violence,
drugs, addiction, etc. (Van Der Kolk, 2014; Thompson, 2003; Yorke, 2008). See Section-4
(Animal-assisted Activities), Section-5 (Animal-assisted Therapy) and Section-6 (Equine
assisted Interactions) for further application.

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2.13 AAI’S APPLIED TO VETERINARY PROFESSION

The human-animal bond can benefit the veterinary profession in several areas where
veterinarians, veterinary technicians and animal-hospital staff might not have specific training
to provide. First, among Animal-assisted Social Work, provides pet loss and grief counseling
to animal owners at animal hospitals and clinics. It can also assist with human-animal abuse
and reporting. Animal-assisted Social Work, can also help veterinarians and animal hospital
staff by helping to address compassion fatigue and promote overall health and wellness of the
clinic and administrative staff (Stewart, 2013; Fine, 2010). Secondly, the Animal-assisted
Paraprofessional Service Model, provides professional certification training for veterinarian
technician and assistants. It provides an opportunity for those in training to learn of the efficacy
and services of Animal-assisted Therapy and Animal-assisted Interventions (Fine, 2010). See
Section-5 (Animal-assisted Therapy) for further application.

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2.14 PROFESSION BY APPLICATION, PURPOSE AND TYPE OF AAI

PROFESSION APPLICATION PURPOSE TYPE AAI SUB-CATEGORY
Education School Assembly Improves: AAE1 Animal-Assisted Reading Program
(Elementary) • Reading ability
• Classroom • Comprehension Humane Education
• Library • Empathy
University Stress reduction AAA2 Stress Reduction - University
Speech School (Elementary) • Improves speech therapy AAT3 Animal-Assisted Speech Therapy
Pathology • Reduces anxiety
Professional Training - Speech-Language Pathologist AAT3 Animal-Assisted Paraprofessional
University Certificate Training AAT Service Model
Physical & Hospital/Clinic Based • Enhances PT & OT Therapy AAT3 Animal-Assisted Physical Therapy
Occupational • Reduces sensation of pain
Therapy Professional Technical PT/OT Certificate Training Animal-Assisted Paraprofessional
(PT/OT) Level Training - University AAT Service Model
Mental Health Clinical Practice • Enhances traditional therapy AAT3 Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy
• Mental Health • Improves self-worth, Animal-Assisted Social Work
• Social Work communication, self-regulation,
socialization, trust, boundaries
• Reduces anxiety, stress & diverts
attention
Professional Training - Certificate Training Animal-Assisted Paraprofessional
University • Psychology Intern AAT Service Model
• MFT Intern
• Social Work Intern
Healthcare • Hospital/Clinic • Reduces blood pressure & AAA2 Animal-Assisted Hospital Visit
(other than PT • Inpatient/outpatient anxiety
& OT) • Hospice • Improves feelings of wellness
• Nursing Home • Reduction of pain & emotional
Animal-Assisted Nursing Home Visit
stress for surgery (pre-post)
Emergency Community Crisis-Benefits: Provides comfort, stress-relief and AAA2 Animal-Assisted Crisis Response
Medical • Victims emotional support for victims &
Services • Responders responders of community crisis (fire,
school shooting, suicide, victims of
crime, natural disasters,
relationship/family violence)
Public Health Workplace Wellness Reduces stress & sick-days AAA2 Stress Reduction
Programs Improves moral, productivity &
overall wellness

Injury & Violence • Community wellness AAA for At-Risk or Delinquent Youth
Prevention & Education • School/community programs
Programs (Youth/school • Violence prevention
violence, suicide, etc.) • Program application
Veterinary Veterinary Hospital- • Pet Loss & Grief Counseling AAT3 Animal-Assisted Social Work
Service • Human-Animal Abuse
Veterinary Hospital – • Compassion fatigue
Medical & Staff • Promote health & wellness
Professional Technical Certificate – Veterinary Animal-Assisted Paraprofessional
Level Training - University Technician/Assistant Training AAT Service Model
Certificate

1 AAE (Animal-Assisted Education)

2 AAA (Animal-Assisted Activities)
3 AAT (Animal-Assisted Therapy)

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Section 3: Animal-Assisted Education (AAE)

Animal-assisted education (AAE) is a goal-oriented, planned and structured

intervention, incorporating therapy animals into education. AAE’s are
delivered by an educational or service professional. Progress is measured and
documented. The purpose of AAE’s are to improve academic goals, social
skills and cognitive functioning. AAE’s include Animal-Assisted Reading
Program and Humane Education.

3.1 AVMA DEFINITION FOR AAE’S

The AVMA provides the following definition:
“Animal-assisted education (AAE) is a planned and structured intervention directed and/or
delivered by an educational and related service professional with specific academic or
educational goals.” (American Veterinary Medical Association, 2019).

3.2 ANIMAL-ASSISTED READING PROGRAM

Animal-assisted reading program, incorporates a trained therapy dog into a reading activity,
where a child practices reading skills by reading either to the animal or reads with the animal
by their side. The animal is first introduced to the student(s) before the program begins. These
programs are provided at libraries, classrooms (usually elementary), and after-school
programs. It can be individual or small group. The purpose of the reading program is to
improve reading fluency and comprehension.

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3.3 READING PROGRAM – ORGANIZATIONS, PROGRAMS & RESOURCES

Organizations Website
Animal Health Foundation [Link]
we-help/[Link]
High Desert Obedience Club [Link]
Orange County Society for the [Link]
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Paws To Heal [Link]
Intermountain Therapy Animals [Link]

Programs & Resources Website

Reading Educational Assistance Dogs [Link]
(R.E.A.D.)
Canine Literacy Program (OCSPCA) [Link]
literacy-program/
Read With Me [Link]

3.4 HUMANE EDUCATION

Humane education, teaches people to understand the consequences of their behavior and
encourages the value of all living animals. These programs are presented to groups at schools,
assembly, libraries, community centers, and community events. The purpose is to enhance
empathy and build respect for all animals.

3.5 HUMANE EDUCATION – ORGANIZATIONS, PROGRAMS & RESOURCES

Organizations Website
Pet Partners [Link]
Inland empire Pet Partners [Link]
Orange County Society for the [Link]
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Programs & Resources Website

Pet Classroom [Link]
OCSPCA Humane Education Program [Link]
literacy-program/
National Education Association [Link]
[Link]

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Section 4: Animal-Assisted Activities (AAA)

Animal-assisted activities (AAA) are informal interventions that

incorporates visitation of a trained therapy animals to improve
motivation, education and/or recreation to enhance quality of life. It
is hosted in a variety of environments, delivered by trained
professionals, paraprofessionals or volunteers. AAA’s include
Animal-Assisted Crisis Response, Therapy Animal Hospital Visit,
Therapy Animal Nursing Home Visit, AAA for At-risk or
Delinquent Youth, and Stress Reduction at Airports and University.

4.1 AVMA DEFINITION FOR AAA’S

The AVMA provides the following definition:
“Animal-assisted activities (AAA) provide opportunities for motivation, education, or
recreation to enhance quality of life. Animal assisted activities are delivered in a variety of
environments by specially trained professionals, paraprofessionals, or volunteers in
association with animals that meet specific criteria.” (American Veterinary Medical
Association, 2019).

4.2 ANIMAL-ASSISTED CRISIS RESPONSE

Animal-assisted crisis response, provides visitation of a trained therapy animal to
provide comfort, stress-relief and emotional support to individuals in crisis. This can
include community trauma, natural disasters, suicide, to family or relationship
violence. The therapy animal provides stress relief and emotional support to both
victims and responders. Purdue University provides a descriptive video describing
animal-assisted crisis response.

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4.3 ANIMAL-ASSISTED CRISIS RESPONSE – ORGANIZATIONS, PROGRAMS &

RESOURCES
Organizations Website
National Crisis Response Canines [Link]
HOPE Animal-Assisted Crisis Response [Link]
Pet Partners – Animal Assisted Crisis [Link]
Response
National Voluntary Agencies Active in [Link]
Disaster
Therapy Dogs International [Link]
[Link]/[Link]?Page=DSRD
+(Disaster+Stress+Relief+Dogs)

Programs & Resources Website

Mini Therapy Horses [Link]
Animal-Assisted Crisis Response National [Link]
Standards content/uploads/2010/03/AACRNational
[Link]
A Beginner’s Guide to Comfort Dogs [Link]
(FEMA) 22/beginners-guide-comfort-dogs

4.4 ANIMAL-ASSISTED ANIMAL HOSPITAL VISIT

Animal-assisted animal hospital visit, provides visitation of a trained therapy
animal at general and children’s hospitals, inpatient and outpatient services and
hospice (Marcus, 2012b). The therapy animal provides stress-relief, emotional
support and improves overall well-being in the hospital environment. More and
more hospitals are incorporating therapy animals into the hospital environment
for various purposes. This video describes how Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
incorporates therapy dogs as an example.

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4.5 RECOMMENDED GUIDELINES FOR ANIMALS IN HEALTHCARE

FACILITIES
The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) provides facility management
(hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, etc.) with recommendations for AAA’s, Service Animals,
Personal Pets, and Research Animals at healthcare facilities. It also includes tables of
commonly transmitted diseases and recommendations. Approved by SHEA, the Animals in
Healthcare Facilities GUIDELINES Pocket Guide, is available in electronic or hard copy
formats. It can be ordered at the following link:
[Link]
card/

4.6 ANIMAL-ASSISTED HOSPITAL VISIT – ORGANIZATIONS, PROGRAMS &

RESOURCES
Organizations Website
Pet Partners [Link]
Alliance of Therapy Dogs [Link]
Therapy Dogs International [Link]

Programs & Resources Website

Mini Therapy Horses [Link]
Love On 4 Paws [Link]

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4.7 ANIMAL-ASSISTED NURSING HOME VISIT

Animal-assisted nursing home visit, provides visitation of a trained therapy
animal at nursing homes. These are provided at various times, often weekly or
on a regular basis, which provides interactive and stimulating activity. The
display of affection raises spirits among residents. The petting and playing with
the animal increase physical activity and improves participation among
residents, especially among those with limited mobility.

4.8 ANIMAL-ASSISTED NURSING HOME VISIT – ORGANIZATIONS,

PROGRAMS & RESOURCES
Organizations Website
Pet Partners [Link]
Alliance of Therapy Dogs [Link]
Therapy Dogs International [Link]

Programs & Resources Website

Love on a Leash Angeles Valley Foothill [Link]
Chapter Are/
Mini Therapy Horses [Link]
Love On 4 Paws [Link]

4.9 AAA FOR AT-RISK OR DELINQUENT YOUTH

AAA for at-risk or delinquent youth utilizes trained therapy animals to help build
a closer connection between the teen and animal, where the human-animal bond
helps to provide an opportunity for behavior change. Animals are non-
judgmental and compassionate. It is common among youth, that adults have
failed them or violated their personal boundaries. The therapy animal helps to
encourage the youth to express their feelings and improves the opportunity for
clinical treatment. It also helps to engage youth through animal welfare
education and social-emotional learning. Animals are brought to a youth facility
or sometimes the youth are taken to a farm. When youth spend time with
animals, it decreases stress and hyper-arousal, antisocial behavior, while
building trust in self and others, improving empathy and compassion and
boundary control.

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4.10 AAA FOR AT-RISK OR DELINQUENT YOUTH – ORGANIZATIONS,

PROGRAMS & RESOURCES
Organizations, Programs & Resources Website
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to [Link]
Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) services/humane-education/about-humane-
education/
Coalition for At-Risk-Restoring Youth [Link]
(CARRY) descriptions
Therapy Animals Supporting Kids [Link]
(TASK) Program ds/2016/08/therapy-animals-supporting-
[Link]
Mini Therapy Horses [Link]

4.11 STRESS REDUCTION - AIRPORTS & UNIVERSITY

Trained therapy animals are utilized to help reduce stress during exam week, as
well as depression on college campuses. Some colleges have their own trained
therapy animal that they also use throughout the year in clinical and other
settings. Similarly, therapy animals are also utilized at airports to help reduce
stress and enhance the airport experience for passengers.
Video Resource: [Link]

4.12 STRESS REDUCTION – AIRPORTS & UNIVERSITY – ORGANIZATIONS,

PROGRAMS & RESOURCES
Organizations Website
Pet Partners [Link]
Alliance of Therapy Dogs [Link]
Airport Foundation [Link]

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Section 5: Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT)

Animal-assisted therapy is a formal, planned and goal-oriented,

where a trained therapy animal is part of the therapeutic treatment.
The animal enhances traditional treatment. AAT is delivered by a
health or human service provider, ranging from a mental health
professional, Speech-Language Pathologist, Physical or Occupational
Therapist, Health Educator or another paraprofessional. AAT is
provided to individuals as well as in a group setting. AAT helps to
enhance existing treatment by promoting physical, social emotional
and cognitive functioning. Categories includes Animal-assisted
psychotherapy, Animal-assisted social work, Animal-assisted physical
therapy, Animal-assisted speech therapy and Animal-assisted
paraprofessional AAT service model.

5.1 AVMA DEFINITION FOR AAT’S

The AVMA provides the following definition:
“Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a goal directed intervention in which an animal meeting
specific criterion is an integral part of the treatment process. Animal-assisted therapy is
delivered and/or directed by health or human service providers working within the scope of
their profession. Animal-assisted therapy is designed to promote improvement in human
physical, social, emotional, or cognitive function. Animal-assisted therapy is provided in a
variety of settings, and may be group or individual in nature. The process is documented and
evaluated.” (American Veterinary Medical Association, 2019).1

5.2 ANIMAL-ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY

Trained therapy animals are incorporated into counseling sessions to help

enhance traditional forms of psychotherapy. Sessions include the client, therapy
animal, the handler and a licensed mental health professional.

Incorporating trained therapy animals into mental health treatments, help to motivate the client
and improve therapy outcomes. Animals are non-judgmental, empathetic and affectionate,
which is helpful for clients who have had traumatic experiences in their life. Animals provide
the ability for one to recognize one’s own anxiety and social skills, and how their behaviors

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can affect others. They can help motivate the client to express their own feelings. Animals are
incorporated individually or with a group of animals (trained dogs, horses and miniature
horses, etc.). Animals can also be matched with a specific client. For example, a client who
have had personal boundary violations, is paired with an animal who has been rescued or
physically abused. This improves the ability of the client to relate to the animal. Animals also
help to reduce the physiological and psychological stress of talking about trauma. They can
lower heart rates, helping the client to be less anxious during the session. Animals also
increases social interactions and self-esteem, as well as building trust in self and others.

Therapy animals can be beneficial when treating the effects of traumatic experiences, among
victims of intimate partner violence (IPV), youth violence, child abuse and neglect, physical,
sexual and emotional abuse, and other boundary violations that often result in traumatic stress
disorder PTSD, anxiety, substance abuse and addiction, depression, re-traumatization, suicidal
ideation, need to improve self-esteem and social skills, etc.

Therapy animals can be incorporated in many ways depending on the therapeutic approach.
These can include: 1) a client cuddling or petting an animal, while talking about their trauma
or when simply talking to the therapist; 2) doing artwork about their experiences with the
animal at their side; 3) spending time with an animal or haltering and/or walking a horse,
helping the client to reduce anxiety; 4) executing an obstacle course with an animal, where the
client tries to lead the animal across an object that is defined as an emotional barrier for the
client; 5) watching animals interact, such as a group of horses while discussing body language
and non-verbal communication; 6) creating play scenarios with the animal; or 7) teaching the
animal a new trick or skill to help empower a client.

5.3 ANIMAL-ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY – ORGANIZATIONS, PROGRAMS &

RESOURCES
Organizations Website
Society for Psychotherapy [Link]
The National Psychologist [Link]
Special Spirit, Inc. Equine Therapy [Link]
Center

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5.4 ANIMAL-ASSISTED SOCIAL WORK

Animal-assisted social work is a two-client system: the human client and the
veterinary medical and support staff. Social workers or other mental health
professionals with certification in animal-assisted therapy, can contribute to 1)
the human-animal bond relationship by providing pet-loss and grief
counseling/advance directive planning for pet handlers and owners; 2) the link
between human-animal abuse (such as animal abuse, intimate partner violence,
child abuse, elder maltreatment, etc.); 3) promoting health and wellness to the
human and animal; and 4) providing veterinary medical and support staff with
emotional support to reduce compassion fatigue as well as improving moral
within staff development of the veterinary staff.

In addition, because mental health professionals have been trained on how to identify and treat
emotional trauma, they are also trained in knowing how to approach and even report animal
abuse and child abuse. This type of training and experience can also provide a benefit to
veterinary staff regarding how to handle pet-loss and grief. Mental health professionals can
obtain animal-assisted certification, in addition to their traditional professional licensure in
counseling. The University of Tennessee provides a video describing animal-assisted social
work and related certification.

5.5 ANIMAL-ASSISTED SOCIAL WORK - ORGANIZATIONS, PROGRAMS &

RESOURCES
Organizations Website
Pet Loss Support Directory [Link]
ml
Association for Pet Loss and [Link]
Bereavement
The International Association for [Link]
Animal Hospice and Palliative Care
Animals & Society Institute [Link]
(Degrees, certificates & specializations animal-studies/degree-programs/
on human-animal studies)

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5.6 ANIMAL-ASSISTED PHYSICAL THERAPY

Trained therapy animals are incorporated into physical therapy as well as
occupational therapy to improve existing treatment and rehabilitation from
injury, developmental disability, or mental health challenges. Various types of
therapy animals can be incorporated into a variety of settings to meet individual
patient needs.

Animals provide a benefit that enhances treatment to improve neuromusculoskeletal abilities

(strength, endurance, range of motion), motor skills (fine and gross muscles movements),
cognitive skills (multitasking, problem-solving, attention span), sensory functioning (visual,
audio-perception, smell, taste, peripheral sensation), perceptual processing skills (spatial
relations, body awareness, depth perception), respiratory functioning (positioning, blowing,
diaphragm strength), communication skills, balance, and weight-bearing. Incorporating
therapy animals into treatment has shown to improve rehabilitation and treatment outcomes.
Studies have shown that the use of animals in treatment, releases of beta-endorphins and
lymphocytes, contributing to generating positive feelings and reducing the perception of pain
(Braun, Stangler, Narveson, & Pettingell, 2009). The Intermountain Therapy Animals
provides a, video example of how animal-assisted physical therapy is incorporated into
rehabilitation of motor vehicle related injury of a child.

5.7 ANIMAL-ASSISTED PHYSICAL THERAPY - ORGANIZATIONS, PROGRAMS

& RESOURCES
Organizations Website
American Occupational Therapy [Link]
Association
American Physical Therapy Association [Link]
Mini Therapy Horses [Link]

5.8 ANIMAL-ASSISTED SPEECH THERAPY

Incorporating trained therapy animals into speech therapy is not a separate type
of therapy or service, but incorporates the animal into part of the clinical
treatment plan. This is delivered by a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist
(SLP). While dogs are mostly used, other animals can include rabbits, cats,
horses, donkeys, sheep, goats and chickens.

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Depending on the need, the animal can be used to calm a child down who might be anxious
during a session. It can also be incorporated as part of the treatment as the client speaks to the
animal by providing commands. Whereas the trained animal responds only with proper speech.
Sometimes the animal is used to gain interest to those who might not be interested in the
session. The animal can also carry a saddle-pack with speech therapy cards which is then
incorporated in various ways. Animal-assisted therapy is generally individual, with individual
trained therapy animals. However, an SLP might also take the client to a farm or barn with
various animals, which motivates the client to speak of their experiences, while the SLP
incorporates therapy accordingly. Animals increase motivation, participation of speech
therapy sessions, and builds confidence of the client. An SLP, at Pawsitive Friendships,
provides a video, describing how trained therapy animals are incorporated into speech therapy
treatment plans and sessions.

5.9 ANIMAL-ASSISTED SPEECH THERAPY - ORGANIZATIONS, PROGRAMS &

RESOURCES
Organizations Website
Therapy Dogs International [Link]
Pet Partners [Link]
Intermountain Therapy Animals [Link]

5.10 ANIMAL-ASSISTED PARAPROFESSIONAL AAT SERVICE MODEL

The Animal-assisted paraprofessional AAT service model focuses on
paraprofessionals such as Veterinary Assistant/Technicians, Teacher Assistants,
and Mental Health Interns (Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Clinical
Marriage and Family Therapist). The service model provides an opportunity for
professional trainees who are interested in certification, to incorporate animal-
assisted therapy into their profession.

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Section 6: Equine-Assisted Interactions

Equine-assisted interactions, incorporates horses into various types of

interventions. Interactions with horses can also be applied similarly
to those discussed with other animals, such as AAA’s with Therapy
animal hospital visit, AAA for at-risk or delinquent youth; Animal-
assisted therapy (AAT), including Animal-assisted psychotherapy,
Animal-assisted physical (and Occupational) therapy; and Animal-
assisted speech therapy. The therapeutic value of interacting with
horses in animal interventions, is their size, movement and emotional
connection. Horses can be incorporated into a wide range of animal
interventions, including equine-assisted activities (EAA), equine-
assisted therapies (EAT), Hippotherapy (HPOT), equine-
facilitates/assisted psychotherapy (EEP/EAP), equine-
assisted/facilitates learning, eherapeutic carriage driving (TCD), and
therapeutic vaulting (TV).

6.1 EQUINE-ASSISTED INTERACTIONS – PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION

ORGANIZATIONS

Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH)

The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH) is a global
authority, resource, advocate and certifying organization for equine-assisted activities and
therapies. It promotes safety among equine-assisted activities and therapies for individuals
with physical and emotional challenges and those with special needs. With PATH activities
and therapies, the client is on the horse. It utilizes the motion of the horse as part of the
therapeutic treatment among both physical and occupational therapies, in collaboration with a
PATH Certified Equine Specialist.

American Hippotherapy Association

The American Hippotherapy Association provides educational resources and education for
those in physical and occupational therapy, and speech language pathology, who incorporate
the equine movement and equine environment to improve and enhance traditional treatment.
The term hippotherapy refers to how physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-
language pathology professionals apply evidenced-based practice and clinical reasoning that
utilizes the movement of the horse as a therapy tool. It engages sensory, neuromotor and
cognitive systems to enhance functional outcomes and treatment. Hippotherapy is highly
regarded as a therapy tool by the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA),

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American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), and the American Speech-Language and
Hearing Association (ASHA). The term “Hippotherapy” is not always used however. It might
be named “animal-therapy” or similar. In general, licensed professionals, such as Physical
Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Speech-Language Pathologists, refer to
incorporating equine movement into their plans of care as a therapy tool.

Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA)

The Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) is an organization that
provides resources, education and certification of the EAGALA model. The Model is a team
approach that includes the EAGALA Certified Equine Specialist, that works closely with a
Licensed Mental Health Professional with the client, within the environment of the horse. With
EAGALA, the program is grounded, where the client is never on the horse. It can include one
horse or several horses depending on the clients need. It enhances specific treatment, including
a range of problem solving, including emotional issues, anxiety, etc.

6.2 EQUINE-ASSISTED ACTIVITIES

Equine-assisted activities (EAA) include clients, volunteers, participants,
instructors and horses. The types of activities can include therapeutic vaulting
(TV), mounted (on-horse) or ground (off-horse), demonstrations, horse shows
or parades, stable management or horsemanship skills. The objectives include
social, emotional, physical or cognitive well-being. It is shown to improve
balance, muscle strength, range of motion, sensorimotor integration social skills
and lowering blood pressure.

6.3 EQUINE-ASSISTED THERAPY (EAT)

Equine-assisted therapy (EAT) incorporates horses and/or their environment to
improve rehabilitation due to injury and disability. Treatment is performed by a
medical professional. Rehabilitation goals are based on the needs of the patient.
Treatment provides benefit to motor skills and balance, sensory functioning and
neuromusculoskeletal ability, such as range of motion, strength and endurance.

6.4 HIPPOTHERAPY (HPOT)

Hippotherapy (HPOT), utilizes the natural movement of the horse to improve

traditional treatments for physical or occupational therapy, or speech therapy.
While similar to (EAT), HPOT incorporates physical, occupational or speech
therapy as part of an integrated program which is shown to increase physical
mobility of the client. HPOT is performed by a licensed physical, occupational
or speech therapist. It generally prescribed by a physician and is a common form

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of treatment recognized by the American Occupational Therapy Association

(AOTA) and the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), similarly as
discussed in Section 5.7 (Animal-assisted physical therapy). Differently than
animal-assisted physical therapy with other animals, with Hippotherapy, horses
take advantage of the size and movement of the horse to improve healing
processes. It engages sensory, neuromotor and cognitive systems, and promotes
functional outcomes of traditional therapy. It provides benefit to muscle
strength, motor coordination, posture and flexibility, socialization,
communication, concentration and improves self-confidence and control of the
client.

6.5 EQUINE-FACILITATED/ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY

Trained horses are incorporated into the counseling session to improve
traditional forms of psychotherapy. This is similar to the discussion in Section
5.2 (Animal-assisted psychotherapy), also conducted by a licensed mental health
professional (clinical psychologist, licensed social worker, licensed marriage
and family therapist), with emphasis on psychosocial and behavioral interaction,
but with a horse, as part of a traditional behavior-based treatment plan. When
incorporating a horse into psychotherapy, the client is within the environment or
the horse, not on-the horse, riding.

The use of a horse, versus other type of therapy-animal in psychotherapy, takes

advantage of the intimidating size the animal, which allows clients to gain trust
in the animal as well as builds self-confidence. Using a horse, also and most
significantly, takes advantage of the it’s emotional perception from being a prey
animal. The horse helps to “ground” a client in the moment. Not worrying about
yesterday, trauma, or tomorrow, but rather helps to ground the client into the
moment with the horse. The horse also provides immediate feedback, such as if
the client is tense or anxious, the horse will mirror how the client feels, through
its body language (Birke, 2011; Krueger, 2011; Lentini, 2008). The horse will
also respond based on body language. This biofeedback from the horse, helps
the client learn about their own feeling and reactions. An opportunity for the
therapist to provide discussion and intervention accordingly.

Incorporating a horse, or horses, into psychotherapy can improve treatments for

Autism, developmental delay or disability, learning disorders, emotional or
behavioral challenges, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, addiction, terminal
illness, eating disorders, at-risk youth, etc.

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6.6 EQUINE-FACILITATED/ASSISTED LEARNING

Equine-Facilitates/Assisted Learning incorporates treatment activities within the
horse’s environment (not riding). It is a goal-oriented approach, experiential, that
promotes the development of life skills, including educational, professional and
personal goals. Being experiential, the client learns by interacting with the horse
or horses, which they receive immediate, physical, and observable feedback as
part of the learning process. It helps to improve personal growth, trust, personal
boundaries, problem-solving skills, self-confidence, communication, empathy,
self-esteem, teamwork, interpersonal relationships, tolerance for stress, etc.

6.7 THERAPEUTIC CARRIAGE DRIVING (TCD)

Therapeutic carriage driving (TCD) provides an opportunity for clients with
physical, cognitive, emotional or sensory challenges, or other physical, balance
or other limitations, to connect, communicate and control the horse while driving
from a carriage seat or wheelchair within a modified carriage. This offers an
alternative to a riding approach. It provides improved coordination, strength,
posture, visual perception, cause and effect relationships and communication.

6.8 THERAPEUTIC VAULTING (TV)

Therapeutic vaulting (TV) utilizes the horse as a method where the client
performs movements on and around the horse. Movements are often provided
with the client on the horse, with assistance depending on disability, while the
horse handler, maintains control of the horse. Depending on the needs of the
client, TV activities can include sitting on the horse with arms outward, kneeling
or standing on the horse, sitting on the horse forward or backward, or mounting
and dismounting. The natural movement of the horse, helps to improve strength
and flexibility, focus, coordination, balance, self-confidence and motor skills.
These improvements can benefit those with sensory processing challenges,
developmental disabilities, perceptual disorders, Autism, learning disabilities,
physical challenges (i.e. neurological, motor skills), etc. Qualifications for TV
programs include training and certification by PATH International and through
the American Vaulting Association.

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Section 7: References, Books and Resources

7.1 REFERENCES
American Veterinary Medical Association. (October, 2019). Animal-Assisted Interventions:
Definitions. Retrieved from [[Link]
[Link]]
Birke L., Hockenhull J., Creighton E., Pinno L., Mee J., Mills D. Horses’ responses to
variation in human approach. Applied Animal Behaviour Science. 2011;134:56–63. doi:
10.1016/[Link].2011.06.002
Braun, C., Stangler, T., Narveson, J., & Pettingell, S. (2009). Animal-assisted therapy as a pal
relief intervention for children. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 15,105-109.
Chandler, C. K. (2012). Animal-assisted therapy in counseling. New York, NY: Routledge.
Eaton-Stull, Y., & Flynn, B. (2015). Animal-assisted crisis response. In K. R. Yeager & A.
R. Roberts (Eds.), Crisis intervention handbook: Assessment, treatment, and
research(4thed.,pp.599–606).NewYork,NY:OxfordUniversityPress.
Fine, Aubrey. (2010). Incorporating Animal-Assisted Therapy into Psychotherapy: Guidelines
and Suggestions for Therapists. 10.1016/B978-0-12-381453-1.10010-8.
Graham, L. B.(2009).[Link]:
NarrativesofProfessionalHelping,15,76–84.
Herzog, H. (2014, November 17). Does animal-Assisted Therapy Really Work? What
clinical trails reveal about the effectiveness of four-legged therapists. Psychology Today.
Retrieved from ([Link]
animal-assisted-therapy-really-work).
Jalongo, M.R., Astino, T., & Bomboy, N. (2004). Canine visitors: the influence of therapy
dogs on young children’s learning and well-being in classrooms and hospitals. Early
Childhood Education Journal, 32(1), 9-16.
Kamioka H, Okada S, Tsutani K, et al. Effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy: a systematic
review of randomized controlled trials. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. April 2014;
22(2):371-390.
Kathie M. Cole, RN, MN, CCRN, Anna Gawlinski, RN, DNSc, Neil Steers, PhD, and Jenny
Kotlerman, MS. AJCC American Journal of Critical Care, November 2007, Volume 16, No.
6.

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Krueger K, Flauger B, Farmer K, Maros K. Horses (Equus caballus) use human local
enhancement cues and adjust to human attention. Anim Cogn. 2011 Mar; 14(2):187-201.

Lentini J. A., Knox M. S. A qualitative and quantitative review of equine facilitated

psychotherapy (EFP) with children and adolescents. The International Journal of
Psychosocial Rehabilitation. 2008;13:17–30. doi: 10.2174/1876391X00901010051.

Marcus D, Bernstein CD, Constantin JM, Kunkel FA, Breuer P, Hanlon RB. Animal-assisted
therapy at an outpatient pain management clinic. Pain Med. 2012 Jan;13(1):45-57.
Marcus, Dawn & Bernstein, Cheryl & Constantin, Janet & Kunkel, Frank & Breuer, Paula &
Hanlon, Raymond. (2012). Impact of Animal-Assisted Therapy for Outpatients with
Fibromyalgia. Pain medicine (Malden, Mass.). 14. 10.1111/j.1526-4637.2012.01522.x.
National Standards Committee for Animal-Assisted Crisis Response. (2010). Animal-
Assisted Crisis Response National Standards. Retrieved from [Link] wp-
content/uploads/2010/03/[Link]
Serpell, J. A., Coppinger, R., Fine, A. H., & Peralta, J. M. (2010). The role of the veterinary
family practitioner in AAT and AAA programs. In A.H. Fine (Ed.), Handbook on animal-
assisted therapy: Theoretical foundations and guidelines for practice (3rd ed., pp. 481-504).
San Diego, CA: Elsevier.
Stewart, L. A., Chang, C. Y., Parker, L. K., & Grubbs, N. (2016). Animal-assisted therapy in
counseling competencies. Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association, Animal-
Assisted Therapy in Mental Health Interest Network.
Stewart, L., Chang, C., & Rice, R. (2013). Emergent theory and model of practice in animal-
assisted therapy in counseling. Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, 8(4),329–348.
Thompson, K.L., & Gullone, E. (2003). Promotion of empathy and prosocial behavior in
children through humane education. Australian Psychologist. 38, 175-182.
Van Der Kolk, B. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of
trauma. New York, NY: Viking Penuin.
Yorke, J., Adams, C., & Coady, N. (2008). Therapeutic value of equine-human bonding in
recovery from trauma. Anthrozoos, 21(1),17-30.

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7.2 BOOKS
Chandler, C. Otting, T. (2018). Animal-Assisted Interventions for Emotional and Mental
Health: Conversations with Pioneers of the Field. Routledge. NY
Fine, A. H. (2019). Handbook on animal-assisted therapy: foundations and guidelines for
animal-assisted interventions. London: Elsevier/Academic Press.
Fournier, A. Letson, E. Berry, T. (2016). Human-Animal Interaction Scale & Manual.
[ISBN-13: 978-15399134411]. USA
Freund, L. McCune, S. Esposito, L. Gee, N. McCardle, P. (2016). The social neuroscience of
human-animal interaction, Washington D.C. American Psychological Association.
Hosey, G. (2019). Anthrozoology: Human-Animal Interactions in Domesticated and Wild
Animals. Oxford University Press. United Kingdom.
Hoy-Gerlach, J. Wehman, S. (2017). Human-Animal Interactions: A social work guide.
NASW Press. Washington D.C.
Kogan, L. Erdman, P. (2020). Pet Loss, Grief, and Therapeutic Interventions: Practitioners
Navigating the Human-Animal Bond (Explorations in Mental Health). Routledge. New
York.
Loar, L. Colman, L. (2004). Teaching Empathy: Animal-Assisted Therapy Programs for
Children and Families Exposed to Violence. Latham Foundation. USA.
Parent, I.B. (2016). Fundamentals of equine assisted trauma therapy: with practical
examples from working with members of the Armed Forces. Minds-n-Motion.
Rudolph, C. (2015). The Art of Facilitation: With 28 equine assisted activities. USA.
Schwarzburg, J.B. (2019), Cognitive Kin, Moral Strangers? Linking Animal Cognition,
Animal Ethics & Animal Welfare. Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, The Netherlands.
SHEA (2015). Animals in Healthcare Facilities. The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology
of America. [[Link]/shop/animals-in-healthcare-facilities-guidelines-pocket-
card]
Tedeschi, P Jenkins, M.A. (2019). Transforming Trauma: Resilience and healing through
our connections with animals. Purdue University. USA.
Thomas, L. Lytle, M. (2016). Transforming Therapy Through Horses: Case stories teaching
the EAGALA model in action. EAGALA. USA

Public Health Behavior Solutions/ Pro Consumer Safety

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Animal-Assisted Interactions: A Resource Guide Page 34

7.3 RESOURCES

• International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations [Link]

• International Society for Anthrozoology [Link]
• Animal Assisted Intervention International (AAII) [Link]
• Human Animal Bond Research Institute [Link]
• Human Animal Bond Association [Link]
• Animals & Society Institute [Link]
• Pet Partners [Link]

Public Health Behavior Solutions/ Pro Consumer Safety

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