The Key Features of AAA

Specific treatment goals are not planned for each visit. Volunteers and treatment providers are not required to take detailed notes. Visit content is spontaneous and visits last as long or as short as needed.

Examples of AAA

• A group of volunteers take their dogs a nursing home once a month to "visit." The visit occurs as a large-group activity with some direction and assistance provided by facility staff. The volunteer group facilitator keeps an informal log about who was visited.
• An individual brings her dog to a children's long-term care facility to "play" with residents. Although the staff is involved in the visits, the staff has not set treatment goals for the interactions. Aside from signing in and out, no records are kept.
• A dog obedience club gives an obedience demonstration at a residential facility for teenagers with delinquent behavior.

Animal-Assisted Therapy Dog (AAT)

The formal definition of animal-assisted therapy is:

"AAT” is a goal-directed intervention in which an animal that meets specific criteria is an integral part of the treatment process. AAT is directed and/or delivered by a health/human service professional with specialized expertise, and within the scope of practice of his/her profession.

AAT is designed to promote improvement in human physical, social, emotional, and/or cognitive functioning [cognitive functioning refers to thinking and intellectual skills]. AAT is provided in a variety of settings and may be group or individual in nature. This process is documented and evaluated." (From Standards of Practice for Animal-Assisted Activities and Therapy) .

The Key Features of AAT

• There are specified goals and objectives for each individual.
• Progress is measured.

Examples of AAT

• A volunteer brings her dog to a rehabilitation center to work with an occupational therapist and a child who has difficulty controlling fine motor skills. To improve the client’s fine motor skills, the therapist has the child manipulate buckles, clasps on leashes, collars, and animal carriers. The child also opens containers of treats for the dog and feeds small pieces of food to the dog. In an animal-assisted therapy session designed to improve a client’s ability to sequence events, i.e. a therapist teaches a client the steps of brushing a dog. Motivated by the opportunity to brush the dog himself, the client remembers the steps, and the therapist has the client recite the order of events aloud as he goes through the actual sequence.
• A woman recovering from a stroke has limited standing and walking tolerance. A physical therapist uses the presence of a dog to motivate the client by placing the dog on a raised table and asking the client to stand while stroking or brushing the animal’s back and head. To increase the client’s ambulation skills, the therapist has the client walk the dog for short distances around the facility grounds. (The handler uses a double lead and walks alongside the dog and client).

Goals of AAT Programs

Animals can be incorporated into a variety of programs. If you become involved in an AAT program, ask the treatment provider to explain the person's goals to you. The following are some examples of AAT goals:

Physical.
Improve fine motor skills.
Improve wheelchair skills.
Improve standing balance.
Mental Health.
Increase verbal interactions between group members.
Increase attention skills (i.e., paying attention, staying on task).
Develop leisure/recreation skills.
Increase self-esteem.
Reduce anxiety.
Reduce loneliness.
Educational.
Increase vocabulary. Aid in long- or short-term memory.
Improve knowledge of concepts such as size, color, etc.
Motivational.
Improve willingness to be involved in a group activity.
Improve interactions with others.
Improve interactions with staff.
Increase exercise.

How do I get a Therapy Dog?

My Angel With Paws does not normally provide therapy dogs to individuals. If you are interested in a therapy dog and a therapy dog program, please contact MAWP at info@MyAngelWithPaws.org or contact our offices at 386-490-4949.

How do I get an Animal Assist Therapy Dog?

Bringing a therapy dog into your life is a very serious decision. There are considerations prior to making this commitment such as:

• Does the facility you work with agree to adding an Animal Assist Therapy Dog to their program.
• Are you willing to accept the added responsibility of caring for a AAT dog.

If you have answered YES to the above and feel an AAT dog will significantly enhance your therapeutic program, you are ready to begin the process.

Application Process

Now that you have made the decision to apply for a AAT dog you must begin the application process. You may obtain an application by clicking HERE.

Be certain to include all of the following materials when submitting your application.

• Completed application and return it to MAWP, 3098 Marsh Rd., Deland, Florida, 32724
• Letter of approval from the facility the AAT dog will be working
• Provide a description of the work the AAT dog will be performing
• Autobiography (please use separate sheet)

Once your complete application has been received, a home and facility visit will be scheduled to complete the application process. If accepted, you will be placed on a waiting list until a potential match is found. The “waiting period” for this match will vary depending on the availability of dogs able to fulfill your particular needs. When a potential match is found, a Partner Trainer Educator will begin working with you and a Partner Training will be scheduled to teach you to work with your dog. At the end of Partner Training and prior to taking your new partner home, you will be expected to pass a Therapy Dog Test.