Animal-Assisted Therapy
Harnessing the Healing Power of the Human-Animal Bond
Since the dawn of civilization, humans and animals have shared a powerful bond. Through the ages, this bond has been a source of solace and relief for those who suffer from physical or emotional pain. To explore the healing and learning power of this relationship, American Humane Association has been a leader in a field of study and practice known today as Animal-Assisted Therapy, or AAT.
Animal-Assisted Therapy has been shown to help children who have experienced abuse or neglect, patients undergoing chemotherapy or other difficult medical treatments, and veterans and their families who are struggling to cope with the effects of wartime military service.
With new research and a continued commitment to professionalism, AAT will continue to grow in mainstream healthcare acceptance and practice – one more tool to enhance individuals' well-being, and one more reminder of the vital and multifaceted role that animals can play in every aspect of our lives.
Serving America's service families
Whether it's the empty chair at the dinner table at home or the fear of what might happen abroad, children are often greatly affected when a parent is called to military duty. When a parent leaves home to serve, the families left behind are susceptible to loneliness, depression, and withdrawal as they cope with the stress and uncertainty of deployment.
A growing body of research suggests that Animal-Assisted Therapy – the use of highly trained and carefully selected animals as part of a medical or psychological treatment regimen – can bring relief to these children in the short term, and yield benefits for life. That's why American Humane Association is expanding its seminal work in this field to reach more children of military families.
Therapy animals help by enabling children to communicate about the f ear, anger and uncertainty they're feeling. The children find non-judging, unconditional love and acceptance with our therapy animals, an experience they never forget.
Animal-Assisted therapy research
Pfizer Animal Health and American Humane Association Partnership: Animal-Assisted Therapy with Pediatric Oncology Patients and Their Families
The overarching goal of this national, three-year study is to promote innovation, evidence-based research, practice improvements and knowledge advancement in both the human-animal bond and pediatric oncology fields.
Pfizer Animal Health and American Humane Association are confident that this innovative study will fill a great need in the area of children's cancer research, as well as inform the broad use of AAT in clinical settings.
Study Overview
Childhood Cancer
Children diagnosed with cancer and their families not only deal with physical issues, but are also prone to psycho-social issues including isolation, depression, trauma, and fear. Adjunct therapies, such as animal-assisted therapy, are needed to address these complex issues.
Research Question
Empirical evidence shows that interaction with animals during therapy is beneficial. Can we document with more certainty that animal-assisted therapy can improve the health and well-being of children with cancer and their families while ensuring the safety and well-being of the therapy animal?
Rigorous Study Design
A randomized control trial design will be utilized at multiple top-rated pediatric oncology sites to measure biological, psychological and social outcomes among children and families, as well as clinical outcomes.
