Dog Assisted Activities
Animal Assisted Activities are less specific and can include activities such as "meet and greet", general animal care and husbandry.
Activities are less goal-focused and may be carried out with different people within a group such as animal handling 'meet and greet' activities.
Animal-Assisted Activities (AAA) provide opportunities for motivational, educational, therapeutic, and/or recreational benefits to enhance the quality of life.
AAA is delivered in a variety of environments by a specially trained professional, paraprofessional, and/or volunteer in association with animals that meet specific criteria. These are generally the basic short meet-and-greet sessions of pets visiting people in a hospital, residential care centres, etc.
The same activity can be repeated by many people.
The aim of the program is to help improve the wellbeing of the community, patients, residents, and their families through positive contact with visiting animals.
​
Each person is given the opportunity to participate in the meet and greet with the Animals. Allowing people to get up close and personal with animals.
For many, this can be their first interaction with a specific animal and provides a positive and educational experience
For those that live in a community or aged care facility who have had to give up their pets or are unable to house their own pet, love the opportunity to experience an animal and the interaction.
​
Specific treatment goals are not planned for each visit, detailed notes and documentation are not required, and visits are spontaneous and can be as short or long as necessary.
What are the benefits
Some benefits of Animal Assisted Intervention are:
Combats loneliness and encourages social integration
Promotes a sense of responsibility and empathy with others
Encourages nurturing traits
Promotes self-esteem, independence and self-confidence
Reduces stress
Encourages mobility
Animal assisted interventions can act as a catalyst for change and help people through transitional life stages
Animal assisted interventions can assist people in finding alternative 'coping strategies' to face challenges and support personal growth