Recent research has validated what every pet owner already knows: interactions with animals can reduce our stress levels and increase our sense of well being. Animal assisted activities are now used by a wide variety of professionals. They may have diverse goals, but two universal benefits are recognized:

1) Animals provide a tremendous motivational force for clients.
2) Interactions with animals improve human health.

While animals are employed in an enormous variety of teaching and health care arenas, many applications fall within the realm of these professions.

Teachers
Animals are an obvious teaching aid commonly used as classroom resources and incorporated into lesson plans. They are also used by school counselors and have been shown to help children improve self esteem and overcome physical and mental challenges.

Therapists
In many types of therapy (physical, occupational, psychology, social work) animals promote interaction between the client and the therapist. Animal interaction can be a powerful motivator allowing professionals to more quickly achieve their goals with the client.

Eldercare
Therapy animals are widely employed in elder care to improve the quality of life. While clients may resist traditional therapy, they may eagerly perform related tasks with animals, such as brushing a dog!

AAT Volunteers
Many of those participating in AAA aren't professionals with specific client goals but work instead as volunteers to improve the quality of life for others. At ABI we can help you to help others, by providing the training you need to maximize your effectiveness.

Individuals wishing to work or volunteer in the field of animal assisted activities, therapy and/or education need a broad based understanding of the health and behavior of both humans and animals. Our multidisciplinary program studies the interactions between people and their pets. We review the health benefits of the human-animal bond for both people and animals. Students learn what is involved in the development and running of an AAA/T/E program from both the human and the animal perspective. Our online program at ABI can provide you with the knowledge and skills to successfully implement animal assisted activities.

AAT Certificate Program & Course Offerings