Animal Assisted Therapy History

Believe it or not AAT has been recorded to go back as far as the 1700's. Palley et al (2010) had mentioned that the earliest evidence of therapeutic programs using animals took place in the 1790's in the United Kingdom at York Retreat where there were mentally ill patients encouraged to walk through the gardens and interact and care for the animals (p. 199). Serpell (2006) documented that by the 19th century animals were very common place within mental institutions in the UK (as cited in Palley et al, 2010, p.199). The bond between animals and humans has been around for a very long time, it’s not hard to understand why animals help individuals have a certain degree of calmness. Urichuk & Anderson (2003) also had documented more examples of the presence of animals in our lives. They had reported that the Ancient Greeks used hippo therapy which is physical therapy on horseback to rehabilitate injured soldiers. They also had reported that over 5,000 years ago, Egyptians tamed African tabby wildcats to hunt mice and rats for them (p.15). This shows me that there is an immense presence of animals in our lives.


There is an idea that pet animals can be therapeutic and have a socialising factor to them. There have been numerous studies about the effects of an animal in an individual’s life and according to Lockwood (1983) studies have shown that individuals that are seen with animals in public are perceived as being more friendly, approachable, and safe (as cited in Urichuk & Anderson, 2003, p.26). According to Velde et al (2005) from their findings "the human-companion animal bond reveal many physiological and psychological benefits" (p.44). This means by having animal in your life can give you cognitive and physcial improvements to your daily life, they can give you a chance to exercise, and show empathy and happiness all while giving you companionship.

Animal Assisted Therapy - Animal Choices

When I had searched animal assisted therapy on Google images the most frequent animal that was shown was the dog followed by cats in a hospital setting. Pulley et al (2010) found from their research that the "most common animal species used in AAT is the dog, but reports also cited other vertebrate species, such as cats, birds, and fish" (p.201). From this it has lead me to believe that dogs must have a stronger bond with people and also offer us with more than what other animals cannot. From researching animal assisted therapy I had also discovered that there are forms of AAT. One other form is Equine assisted therapy which involves the use of horses. Riding for disabled would represent this type of therapy.

Today's Use of Animal Assisted Therapy and Mental Health

From researching and investigating AAT there is a sense that this type of therapy heavily relies on volunteers to make this intervention to work. Wedgefarth (2003) described 'social-lubricant' and an 'ice breaker' as terms to describe the effects that an animal has on an individual (as cited in Urichuk, 2003, p.42). AAT can be used for treating either depression or other mood disorders. An animal can reduce and essentially force the individual that owns the pet to stare clear of the symptoms of depression such as isolation, change in patterns of behaviour, reduced activity and lack of self-cares. According to Thompson (2011) the president and CEO of the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance Peter Ashenden had stated that he benefits greatly from having his own pet around him. Thompson had also mentioned the advantages of having an animal in your presence for those who have either depression or other mood disorders such as the pet forces the individual to be active every day, keeps the individual from becoming socially withdrawn, and grants ongoing companionship for that individual. I had thought of a few other advantages such as keeping an individual carry on their daily routines, often adults who are depressed can be fixated on themselves and have low self-esteem and self-worth so the animal could take the focus off them and keep them occupied, and also could reduce anxiety that stems from depression and the other mood disorders. These all would be key therapeutic uses of AAT.

Depression can often be a flow on affect from another type of illness/disease or injury, those individuals who are in a rest home, hospice or hospital can benefit from regular visits from an animal. These animals that come into individual’s lives can provide affection, unconditional love, lift the individual’s spirits dramatically and have a share special bond. The YouTube clip that is located in the YouTube page is a great example of how animal assisted therapy can work within different types of settings.



As a third year OT student I have the knowledge that it is important for the client and therapist to build rapport to benefit the client’s outcome of OT intervention. For an individual that is isolated and refuses to communicate, often an animal could be a 'ice breaker' and break down this communication barrier. Chinner & Dalziel (1991) viewed AAT in terminally ill residents and stated “animal-assisted therapy increased patient-staff interaction, eased patient-visitor relations, and provided temporary happiness, comfort and entertainment" (as cited in Velde et al, 2005, p.44). A client's activities of daily living (ADL's) are very important in OT intervention. If the client is struggling to have some sort of routine in their day, using the pet dog as a tool to establish routine again would benefit both the client & the pet. The client will have to feed, exercise and clean the pet so this will keep the client busy and also give them reminders that they need to do the same for themselves. Using the pet as a tool in the client rehabilitation would also either maintain or improve their quality of life and occupational performance positively.

Allenby (2009) mentioned that "Dr Albert Scheitzer, a leading expert of animal therapy, believes that animals have an important role to play in the future of health care". Allenby also mentioned the need for future research and evidence that looks at specific, task related, AAT interventions & outcomes. It has been difficult to find AAT in relation to OT maybe because there has not been many OT's who have used this type of therapy in New Zealand. Also according to Cipriani et al (2002) they also "failed to locate any comprehensive survey research involving occupational therapist that identified if they used AAT, or their perceptions of the potential use of AAT in their practice" (as cited in Velde, 2005, p. 43). From gathering a better understanding of AAT there was a common factor in researching, the more common place where AAT was carried out was in the long-term settings such as nursing homes. According to Banks & Banks (2002) an experimental study of AAT in the long-term facilities showed a decrease in loneliness in the nursing home residents, it showed more interaction between residents & with interaction towards the ATT program (as cited in Velde et al, 2005, p.44).

Interesting Study

Amongst the same article written by Velde, Cipriani and Fisher there was an interesting study which was conducted in a long-term rest home and looked at the residents and if they had benefitted from having animal-assisted therapy introduced to them and if it had improve their quality of life in any way. These residents were participants of occupational therapy already. The residents ranged from having developmental disabilities, physical disabilities and psychiatric disabilities. Ferrese, Forster, Kowalski and Wasilewski (1998) had interviewed the occupational therapist and occupational therapy assistants in Pennsylvania that worked in this rest home to identify if there were any improvements in the residents from using animal-assisted therapy (p.45). It was Morse & Field (1995) who had identified key themes within this study they are:

Motivation is increased with animal interaction

Residents benefit physically from intervention

Animals promote reminiscence and alertness

AAT enhances emotional well-being

Residents display improved social interaction

AAT provides opportunity for nurturing

AAT created a home like environment

(as cited in Velde et al, 2005, p.45)
Garland, Hayik, Hachonis, McDonough & Johnson (1997) had researched the resident’s emotional response to the AAT program. They found four common results from the residents, the included 'brightening your day', 'bringing up memories', 'getting my mind of things', and 'making the family feel better' (as cited in Velde et al, 2005, p.46).
This study helped me gain insight and understanding from a residents perspective of the impact that AAT can have on those who are in long-term residential care. It was also good to find research that is from an occupational therapy perspective. It has been difficult to find information that is related to AAT and OT.
Within this article there was discussion in relation to the connections between AAT and OT. With the knowledge of occupational therapy intervention, AAT can be utilised in conjunction with OT to have a positive outcome for the client. According to Velde et al (2005) "to be occupational therapy, the intervention must focus on the use of meaningful occupations that promote an individual's quality of life" (p.47). Feeding, grooming, socialisation and exericse will all be meaningful occupations that clients carry out during thier daily life.

Guidelines for Animal-Assisted Therapy

Experts in animal-assisted interventions (AAI) have compiled guidelines for working with animals in health care facilities; they are referred to as the 'Working Group'. These guidelines are intended for the audience for the human health care workers.
Here a few guidelines that the Working Group (2008) has stated to use within health care facilities:

Hand hygiene practices

Facility management of programs for animal visitation

Determining suitability of animals for AAI programs by temperament

Health screening of animals

Dietary guidelines for all animals

Training and management of animal handlers

And many more (p.79-84). To look more in depth at these guidelines visit: http://www.deltasociety.org/document.doc?id=659

Limitations of Animal-Assisted Therapy

Some limitations that I have identified in relation to AAT would be:

>Whether or not the patients and clients have allergies or if those around them have allergies and to certain types of animals. This would be a limitation because if that client had enjoyed engaging with the animal and their room-mate had allergies then this could potentially reduce the amount of visitation the client and animal could have together and to further the individual’s recovery.
>Another limitation could possibly be the protocols and regulations around bringing animals in a hospital, hospice and respite care setting. Bringing an animal in these settings could potentially put the patient’s health and others at risk.
>Third limitation would be whether or not the individuals would want to connect and engage with the animals bought into their setting.

A limitation that Cowling (2010) has identified was the severity of the patient's dementia. She also mentioned the individual's level of cognition functioning could impact the patient's outcome of the AAT sessions (p.89). Another point made by Cowling was the fact if the patients had any previous experience with animals. If they have already had a connection or a good memory of an animal they are more likely to be engaged and enjoy the animal-assisted therapy visits. Cowling (2010) stated "it is likely that a person's previous engagement with animals affects their reaction to AAT" (p.89). They may perceive them in either a negative or positive way. If they have had a negative experience with an animal then they are likely to not want to engage in AAT. So even though there are a number of positives for using AAT with mental health patients there is also a number of negatives and limitations that go along with those positives.


Future Recommendations :
Velde (2005) stated the need to develop occupation-based assessments related to animal-assisted therapy (p. 48). From researching and gathering a better understanding of animal assisted therapy I have found there is little evidence based practice and research related to occupational therapy and animal assisted therapy. This will mean that there is a need to further develop in this area.
Palley (2010) stated "AAT research agenda should expand to include basic studies exploring the neurological mechanism(s) underlying human-animal interactions that result in positive moods and putative health effects (p.205).
Over in countries like America and England and some parts of Europe, animal-assisted therapy is more common and they have set up training programs to train therapist in this type of therapy. They have been training those who are willing to use animals in their work in counselling, physical rehabilitation and education. Just like Occupational Therapy, animal-assisted therapy " is still struggling to define itself and gain credibility (Kruger & Serpell, 2010, p. 34). Occupational Therapy I would say is better known than animal-assisted therapy but not in the same league as physiotherapists, speech therapists, and nurses.

New Zealand Animal Assisted Therapy Services

Here are few weblinks that I found had useful information that are located in New Zealand:

Canine Friends-Pet Therapy
This service is available all throughout New Zealand. They visit hospitals, rest homes and hospice settings. To find more information please visit:
http://caninefriends.org.nz/

Outreach Therapy Pets
This service is only available in Auckland, New Zealand.
It is a joint service between St John and the SPCA. They visit rest homes, private hospitals and other facilities in Auckland.
To find more information please visit:
http://www.stjohn.co.nz/products/outreach.aspx

Pet Assisted Wellness Support Therapy-PAWS Therapy
Currently only available in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand but wanting to expand nationally to residential facilities, respite and support centres that are willing enough to take on animal therapy and support services.
http://www.mentalhealth.org.nz/newsletters/view/article/19/244/2010/

REFLECTION

Upon reflection, I believe I have learnt a great deal about how animal assisted therapy can help someone with a mental illness in a positive way. AAT improve a particular persons quality, it can be a matter of a small visit to get the patient actively engaged and socialise with the others around them.
Throughout researching this type of therapy I have learnt that there are a number of health and well being benefits a part from lifting a patient’s mood. It promotes social interaction, improves self cares, improves physical activity and in relation to Occupational Therapy, promotes meaningful occupation. I enjoyed searching for videos and visually seeing animal assisted therapy in action. Viewing therapists using this therapy with a diverse amount of patients gave me a better understanding of how and who it can be utilised with.
I think it would have also been beneficial for me to see it for myself with someone in New Zealand but did not find time to do so.
It was difficult to find studies that were related to Occupational Therapy and mental health.

Over all, I’m glad that I had researched this topic more in depth and I hope you enjoy reading my blog!
:)

References

A child’s illustration of a fish at home in a fishbowl. (2012). Retrieved June 18, 2012 from http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/results.aspx?qu=fish&ctt=1#ai:MC900391432|mt:0|

Allenby, N. (2009). The use of animals in occupational therapy. [Web log message]. Retrieved from http://metaot.com/use-of-animals-in-occupational-therapy

Cat and bird by tree. (2012). Retrieved June 18, 2012 from http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/results.aspx?qu=bird&ctt=1#ai:MP900446587|mt:0|

Chinese zodiac horoscope animal, the dog. (2012). Retrieved June 18, 2012 from http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/results.aspx?qu=dog&ctt=1#ai:MC900417482|mt:0|

Cowling, A. (2010). The benefits and limitations of pet therapy for people with dementia. Oshkosh Scholar, 5, 82-92.

Dog looking in mirror. (2012). Retrieved July 20, 2012 from http://hs-salam.blogspot.co.nz/

Kruger, K. A., & Serpell, J. A. (2010). Animal-assisted interventions in mental health: definitions and theoretical foundations. In Fine, A. H (Eds.), Handbook on animal-assisted therapy: theoretical foundations and guidelines for practice (pp. 33-48). London, United Kingdom: Elsevier.

Lefebvre, S., & Golab, G., & Christensen, E., & Castrodale, L., & Aureden, K., & Bialachowski, A., & Gumley, N., & Robinson, J., & Peregrine, A., & Benoit, M., & Card, M., & Horne, L., & Weese, J. (2008). Guidelines for animal-assisted therapy intervention in health care facilities. Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, 36, 78-85. doi:10.1016/j.ajic.2007.09.005.

Palley, L. S., & O’Rourke, P. P., & Niemi, S. M. (2010). Mainstreaming animal-assisted therapy. Institute for Laboratory Animal Research Journal, 51(3), 199-207.

Poem: http://www.showdog-magazine.com/Poems/poem21.htm

Rose, A. (2012, July 5). Animal assisted therapy introduction [video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtIwHrC0P8E

San Diego Hospice. (2010, August 25). Pawsitive pals: San diego hospice pet therapy program [video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8p4vFM0xRo

Screen beans character slumping over in sadness. (2012). Retrieved June 18, 2012 from http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/results.aspx?ex=2&qu=depression#ai:MC900078739|mt:0|

Smith, M., Saison, J., & Segal, J. (2012, May). Understanding depression: Signs, symptoms, causes, and help. Helpguide.org. Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/index.htm#2

Tabby cat. (2012). Retrieved June 13, 2012 from http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images/results.aspx?qu=tabby%20cat&ctt=1#mt:0

Thompson, D. (2011). Pet therapy and depression. Everyday Health: Feel Good, Feel Better. Retrieved from http://www.everydayhealth.com/depression/pet-therapy-and-depression.aspx

Urichuk, L., & Anderson, D. (2003). Improving mental health through animal-assisted therapy. Alberta, Canada: Canadian Cataloguing.

Velde, B. P., Cipriani, J., & Fisher, G. (2005). Resident and therapist views of animal-assisted therapy: Implications for occupational therapy practice. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 52. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1630.2004.00442.x

Volunteer services spcaLA’s animal assisted therapy program (AAT)[Image]. (2009). Retrieved from http://spcala.com/volunteer/aat.php