What is the difference between AAA and AAT?

Animal-assisted activities (AAA) are entertaining, educational, and/or motivating. They are delivered by specially trained professionals, para-professionals, and/or volunteers along with their animals who meet specific criteria. AAA can be shows of entertainment, speaking in school settings or social visits from room to room in health-care settings. It is not necessarily goal-directed, but is very therapeutic in nature.*

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is goal-directed intervention in which a therapy animal is an integral part of the clinical treatment process. It is directed by a health or human services professional with specialized expertise and within the scope of his/her profession. It is done in the form of one-on-one, group, or co-treatment settings. Charting is completed by the health or human services professional.

*Definitions taken from "Standards of Practice in Animal-Assisted Activities and Therapy," Delta Society, November 1996.

What are some of the benefits of AAA/AAT?

- Serves as a motivator in goal-oriented therapeutic interventions
- Serves as a communication bridge between the individual and staff
- Increases self-esteem
- Decreases feelings of institutionalization
- Diverts attention when pain and discomfort may figure prominently
- Provides a positive outlet for energy
- Provides an opportunity for safe and pleasant touch
- Brightens an individual's mood
- Fosters the ability to nurture and play
- Decreases staff and patient stress
- Decreases stress of visiting family members and friends
- Provides empowerment for residents in an environment where they have       

   little power and control