What is Animal-Assisted Therapy?
Animal-Assisted Therapy is the goal-directed and documented use of an
animal by a health or human service provideras part of his or her speciality.
(Delta Society, 2008)

Benefits of Animal-Assisted Therapy
Rapport-building
Decreasing anxiety
Fostering attachment
Increasing openness
Adding emotional safety
Improving motivation
Developing physical, cognitive, emotional and social competencies

Studies show Animal-Assisted Therapy can help with the following issues:

Autism
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Youth maladjustment and conflict with parents
Chronic medical conditions
Adolescent anger management

From Play Therapy With Kids & Canines, VanFleet (2008) and Delta Society Student Manual,

Animal-Assisted Play Therapy