AFT: Guidelines for Developing an Animal Facilitated Therapy Program

Linda Hume, LPN, AFT Specialist
Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital

General Benefits of Animal Facilitated Treatment in Medical Rehabilitation Settings

SOCIALIZATION:

• Interacting with dog, handler and therapist
• Conversing with other patients about dog

COOPERATION:

• Increased willingness to participate in treatment sessions

ADJUSTMENT:

• Enhanced self-confidence; ability to direct dog and obtain desired response
• Enhanced self-esteem; animal is non-judgmental creature

COMFORT:

• Animal provides a warm, comforting presence, patient listener and relaxing interlude (particularly helpful with children)

Development Steps

• Acquire written permission from Facility Administration
• Prepare a program outline, policies and procedures and general treatment protocols
• Contact local obedience classes and clubs, kennel clubs, breeders, trainers and veterinarians to recruit volunteers with appropriate dogs
• Formulate a Volunteer Training Program
• Establish an 'Animal Evaluation System' (Temperament testing, health screening, obedience assessment, inventory of any "tricks" in the dog's behavioral repertoire)
• Educate staff by providing in-services, handouts.