For many people, interacting with a pet brings a sense of constant love and affection. Some say that animals give them a feeling of calm and joy.1 Studies have shown that the presence of and interaction with animals can lower heart rate and BP because animal interaction promotes positive emotions.2 An animal's presence can reduce anxiety and lower human neurohormone levels, enhancing healing and recovery.3

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AAT is defined as a goal-oriented, scheduled patient intervention that can be conducted as a one-on-one session in individual patient rooms, or as a group session in a common area.4 Patients' positive response to interactions with a domestic animal is the basis for AAT.

AAT became a therapeutic intervention as mental healthcare developed. In 1792, a healthcare worker at an experimental Quaker institution used small rabbits to promote a sense of calm in patients. In 1867, hospital staff in Germany used animals to promote comfort and relaxation in patients with epilepsy.3

The use of animals for healing continues to evolve. In one survey of psychiatrists and psychologists, almost 50% reported that they've "prescribed" a pet for their patients. Many long-term-care facilities and rehabilitation centers incorporate AAT as part of their services, as do physical therapy agencies, hospitals, and correctional facilities.3

Relieving stress

In the acute care setting, it's been well documented that stress can inhibit healing.5 Patients who participate in a visit with a therapy animal show a reduction in both the negative mental and physical effects of sympathetic nervous system stimulation.3 (See Positive outcomes for more information.)

* improving participation in self-care behaviors, such as washing and dressing.5

Formats for AAT visits vary, but many start with a group of patients gathered in a common area. If prearranged, the visit can include interactions in individual rooms. Most policies include bringing the therapy animal up close to the patient and allowing the animal on a barrier sheet in the bed if desired.2 Patient allergies must be ascertained by facility staff so those patients can have a "distance" visit from the doorway.4

The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) has published guidelines that address the use of therapy animals in healthcare. They offer information about reducing the potential for infection and the development of policies and procedures to address infection risks.3 Zoonotic infections-diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans-are thought to be a risk factor in AAT, but no evidence exists that infections have been transmitted in any significant numbers during AAT visits.5

The APIC recommends that the patient, family, and staff practice optimal hand hygiene before and after a visit from the AAT team.6 Education on infection control is an important part of any successful AAT program. Training agencies provide general education on infection control activities, and each facility will have its own policies that need to be taught to all the participants.2 In many facilities, this information is provided during the AAT team's initial orientation.6

Safe visits

According to the APIC, any healthcare facility that wants to engage in AAT should require completion of a formal training and testing program for the handler and the animal.6 Most AAT training agencies have similar criteria for certification. Usually, therapy animals are the handler's pet, and the team is created by both the animal and the handler working together. In some instances, the animal can be a friend's or a relative's pet, but the handler and the one animal make up the team.4

Each team is evaluated on key components. The animal must have a known healthy medical and behavioral history, general good disposition, and be trained using positive reinforcement. The handler must be able to identify and intervene by removing the animal if signs of stress occur such as panting or a slowed gait with the head down.2

Therapy animals must have basic obedience skills such as appropriate responses to voice commands such as "sit" and "stay."7 They must behave in a predictable way and like being around people.2 Training classes may include teaching therapy animals to sit for petting and practice accepting a stranger or another animal. Potential therapy animals are exposed to medical equipment and loud noises and are observed walking in a crowd with wheelchairs and walkers.7 Each animal must be regularly bathed and have their nails trimmed, and be free from ticks and fleas. Although routine screening for potential zoonotic microorganisms isn't recommended, the health of all therapy animals should be closely monitored.6 Infection control processes to keep risks low include verification of regular veterinary checkups, monitoring proper vaccination schedules, and assessing heartworm preventive therapy.

Developing a program

Therapy animals are pets and participate in an AAT program certification first.2 To begin an AAT program in your facility, review any applicable current policies and procedures. Reach out to other departments within the facility or sister facilities to see what they've accomplished. Contact formal AAT education providers or agencies to obtain details on training. This will standardize the process and ensure safety for your patients.4

The evaluation of potential AAT teams includes processes that assess behaviors and activities specific to acute care settings. Suitability of animals by temperament is important and should be included in the evaluation. The AAT program also must consider designating an "animal visit liaison" to monitor the flow of AAT throughout the facility.6

* Assess zoonotic disease risks and develop appropriate procedures for minimizing those risks.2

Therapet (http://www.therapet.org) is a national agency that provides educational resources, seminars, and training for healthcare professionals seeking to learn more about AAT and obtain guidance to help set up their own programs.

Improving communication

* improved cooperation and participation in the patient's own recovery.6

1. Center for Animal Assisted Therapy. What is AAT? http://www.coe.unt.edu/center-animal-assisted-therapy/center. [Context Link]

2. American Veterinary Medical Association. Guidelines for animal-assisted activity, animal-assisted therapy and resident animal programs. https://www.avma.org/KB/Policies/Pages/Guidelines-for-Animal-Assisted-Activity-A. [Context Link]

3. Cole KM, Gawlinski A, Steers N, Kotlerman J.Animal-assisted therapy in patients hospitalized with heart failure. Am J Crit Care. 2007;16(6):575-585. [Context Link]

4. Arkow P. Animal Assisted Therapy and Activities: A Study Resource Guide for the Use of Animal Assisted Interventions. 10th ed. Stratford, NJ: Self-published; 2011. [Context Link]

5. Mullett S.A helping paw. RN. 2008;71(7):39-44. [Context Link]

6. Writing Panel of Working Group, Lefebvre SL, Golab GC, Christensen E, et al. Guidelines for animal-assisted interventions in health care facilities. Am J Infect Control. 2008;36(2):78-85. [Context Link]

7. Golden J. The Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dogs Newsletter. Parsippany, NJ; 2008. [Context Link]