Animal Assisted Therapy
Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT)
Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a therapeutic approach that incorporates trained animals into the therapeutic plan to achieve specific goals. Paws and Progress offers AAT as part of occupational therapy (OT) services to harness the benefits of the human-animal bond by engaging in goal-oriented and structured activities with the dog-handler team. These activities serve as a motivating therapeutic modality to promote physical, social, cognitive, and emotional skills during structured interactions with trained OT clinic dogs.
Paws and Progress is proud to offer AAT as the primary intervention approach for OT services. High-quality services are ensured through ongoing training for both the human and canine team members. The OT clinic dogs are more than just well-behaved pets; they are specially trained to work closely with individuals of varying ages and abilities in a variety of contexts. This ensures they can effectively engage with participants to enhance the therapeutic experience.
Empowerment is at the core of this approach. Participants are encouraged to learn and practice positive interactions with dogs during and after sessions. This includes voice control, regulating emotions, understanding appropriate physical interactions, and responding to verbal and nonverbal communication. These techniques are designed to foster improved self-awareness and communication skills, enabling participants to confidently interact with both animals and humans.
Paws and Progress’s AAT program encourages meaningful activities while ensuring the welfare of both humans and animals. The well-being of OT clinic dogs is prioritized, and they will be never placed in situations that could lead to harm or undesired behaviors. The dogs continued love for their work is essential, and sessions are structured to ensure they enjoy ample time for social interaction, rest, and play to maintain their overall happiness and well-being.
Risks and Safety
The safety of all clients and animals inside the clinic is a top priority. All participants must acknowledge the potential risks, such as allergies to dogs or unexpected behaviors from either the dog or the client. Paws and Progress’s OT clinic dogs were carefully selected and trained to minimize risks and the clinic structure has been designed to ensure safety for all.
As the handler, I am equipped with specialized education in animal-assisted interventions and a deep understanding of various disabilities that allows me to team up with my skilled OT clinic dogs during OT sessions. I am not only qualified to provide OT but also participated in rigorous training for AAT. I continue to enhance my knowledge of animal behavior and dog training techniques.
While I strive to maintain rigorous standards, I also believe in transparency regarding the risks involved when engaging in any activities with animals. To mitigate these risks, I have implemented policies and procedures to ensure I provide the best quality of care to all human participants and canine co-workers. Despite the precautions and management plans in place, it’s important to acknowledge that all animals can exhibit unpredictable behaviors. Potential risks may include:
• Dog mouthing or not taking treats with a gentle mouth
• Slobbering or licking clients
• Unintentional scratching
• Dogs biting or snapping
• Vocalizing, such as barking, whining, or growling
• Unexpected jumping, which could lead to loss of balance or falls
• Allergic reactions from dogs or animal products used
• Zoonotic disease transmission, which includes parasites, bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
​
Paws and Progress’s OT clinic dogs receive routine veterinary care and are on preventative treatments to minimize the risk of zoonotic disease transmission.
Screening Process
To ensure the safety and appropriateness of AAT for each client, Paws and Progress follows a thorough screening process that always begins with education to ensure consent to the potential risks and a comprehensive assessment to understand the client’s therapeutic needs. The safety and effectiveness of therapy for participants and the well-being of the OT clinic dogs are top priorities. A brief overview of the process to determine AAT eligibility:
• Informed Consent: The participant or caregiver must provide informed consent, acknowledging understanding and agreement to proceed with AAT to ensure that participants and their families fully understand the nature of AAT and provide informed consent before participation. Clear information is provided about the nature of AAT, potential risks, and the expected outcomes.
• Initial OT Assessment: to understand the individual’s therapeutic needs, goals, and preferences to determine if AAT could be beneficial as part of the OT treatment plan. During this time, participants will be assessed for their ability to follow safety guidelines and maintain behavioral expectations with dog interactions.
• AAT Risk Assessment includes screening for allergies, health concerns, fears, history with animals, or other concerns that may impact participation in AAT.
• Compatibility Check to assess the compatibility between the client, therapist, and clinic dogs.
• Continuous Assessment: Eligibility for AAT is not a one-time decision. The participant’s progress and the dog’s behavior are continuously monitored to ensure ongoing suitability for all involved.
If a client is determined to be eligible to participate in AAT, an OT intervention plan will be developed to reach their specific therapeutic goals by participating in therapeutic activities that incorporate the OT clinic dogs.
If AAT is determined not suitable, I will discuss the specific reasons for ineligibility and any concerns that led to the decision. Additionally, I will work with the client and/or family to explore alternative therapeutic options and interventions that align with your goals and needs within OT. This may include providing recommendations for other forms of therapy or support services that may benefit you. If requested, eligibility for AAT will be reassessed at a later stage following traditional OT services, if circumstances change, and/or improvements are noted. Paws and Progress is committed to delivering personalized care. Whether AAT is part of your therapy or not, the goal remains the same: to empower you to achieve your fullest potential through the therapeutic process.
Integrating OT and AAT
Content for occupational therapy (OT) and animal-assisted therapy (AAT) has been separated on this website to clarify the distinct value each offers. OT is the foundational aspect of what Paws and Progress provides with AAT as the specialty intervention and the hallmark of this clinic. OT at Paws and Progress is dedicated to aiding individuals of all ages in performing meaningful daily activities through established OT theory, including a standardized process of assessments, evaluation, goal setting, and intervention approaches. AAT enhances these OT services by integrating the benefits of the human-animal bond, enriching the therapeutic experience without replacing traditional OT methods. I value the principles of OT while being equally passionate about the unique quality that AAT brings to my services. I believe this distinction on this website reflects the careful balance and integration of both services, offering a comprehensive understanding to all potential clients.
Animal-assisted therapy involves structured, goal-oriented activities that use the unique bond between clients and animals to achieve therapeutic gains. It's an engaging way to support physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development. The range of AAT activities includes sensory-rich interactions, dog-assisted yoga, developmental games, and many more. These activities are not only therapeutic but also offer a chance to learn about positive animal engagement, emotional regulation, and personal behavior analysis. AAT contributes to an overall improvement in the quality of life for clients by addressing a wide range of emotional, psychological, and physical needs.
-
Motor Skill Challenges:Difficulty with fine motor tasks (e.g., buttoning, writing, using scissors, etc.) Poor handwriting or complaints of pain when writing or drawing Challenges in gross motor skills (e.g., jumping, climbing, riding a bike, etc.) Clumsiness, uncoordinated movements, and fast-paced nature Delays in motor milestones or difficulty learning new movement tasks Role of occupational therapy: Develop targeted plans to enhance fine and gross motor skills. OT interventions use various tools and activities to improve a client’s ability to perform tasks with the ability to control body movements more precisely, strengthen muscles, coordinate movements, and maintain stability.
-
Visual-Perceptual Barriers:Difficulty differentiating shapes and letters, such as confusing 'b' and 'd' or 'p' and 'q.' Challenges in understanding how objects relate to each other in space, such as difficulty in judging distances or sizes. Difficulties in following moving objects smoothly with the eyes or problems with reading lines of text without losing one’s place Struggling with tasks that require coordination of visual input with hand movements, like catching a ball or handwriting Difficulty recalling visual information, such as remembering shapes, faces, or the sequence of objects Role of occupational therapy: Strengthen the visual perceptual skills essential for reading, writing, navigating the environment, and understanding and interpreting visual information. These skills are crucial for academic tasks like reading and writing, as well as daily activities, such as navigating environments. OT interventions use specific exercises and games to enhance visual tracking, differentiation, and spatial awareness.
-
Executive Functioning, Daily Routine, and Transition BarriersTrouble transitioning between activities or following a routine despite familiarity Problems with self-care activities like dressing, eating, and grooming Distress during hygiene tasks (e.g., tooth brushing, face washing, nail trimming, etc.) Difficulty accepting new ideas Challenges with attention and focus Problems with managing time, organizing, or planning activities Struggling with task initiation, completing tasks without frequent reminders, or problem-solving Irregular sleep patterns or difficulty with sleep routines. Eating difficulties, such as extremely selective eating or problems with different food textures Role of occupational therapy: Develop executive functioning skills like organizing, planning, and transitioning between tasks. OTs address challenges in daily routines by implementing strategies to improve self-care skills and independence in daily activities.
-
Behavioral and Sensory Response DifficultiesBehavioral challenges that are linked to frustration with tasks Discomfort with sensory inputs like bright lights, loud noises, or strong smells Preferences or aversions affecting daily life, such as wearing the same clothes, picky eating, discomfort with messy play or physical contact, etc. Constant fidgeting Tendencies like mouthing non-food objects or overeating Preference for repetitive play Withdrawal from busy environments Fear of heights Impulsivity Demonstrating toe-walking or W-sitting Frequent rocking, running, skipping, jumping, climbing, and/or swinging Challenges in understanding or processing verbal instructions Over- or under-reactivity to sensory experiences (e.g., touch, taste, sound) Seeking or avoiding certain textures, movements, or sensory inputs Misjudgment of personal space, speed, distance, and force Lack of awareness in play, leading to frequent self-injury or breathlessness Role of occupational therapy: Sensory integration therapy helps children who struggle with processing sensory information and implements strategies to respond to sensory information more effectively. This includes managing behavioral responses linked to sensory processing difficulties and creating tailored sensory diets that help children engage more effectively in their environments. OT interventions in sensory processing impact barriers rated to being overly sensitive to sensory stimuli or seeking excessive sensory input to help them feel just right and promote functional engagement in various environments. Understanding a child's behavior can sometimes be challenging. Children often act out not because they want to be difficult but because they don't have the tools to respond differently. It's essential to recognize the difference between sensory issues and behavioral problems; although they might appear similar, they are fundamentally different. An OT can provide invaluable insight in distinguishing between these two, which can guide you in understanding whether a child's actions are a response to sensory overload or other behavioral challenges, helping you respond effectively and supportively.
-
Emotional Regulation ChallengesDifficulty managing emotions, leading to frequent tantrums or meltdowns Struggles with coping mechanisms for stress, anxiety, or frustration, such as becoming easily overwhelmed or having difficulty calming down Inconsistent emotional responses that are not typical for the situation or developmental stage Struggles with adapting to changes in routine or environment Difficulty understanding and expressing feelings, leading to social challenges or isolation. Role of occupational therapy: Support children as they learn to understand emotions. Then, develop strategies for managing and expressing feelings appropriately. OT interventions implement a variety of tools and activities to teach clients how to identify their emotions, understand their triggers, and find healthy ways to respond.
-
Social DifficultiesChallenges in understanding and responding to social cues, such as missing nonverbal signals or misinterpreting others' emotions Difficulty in forming friendships or interacting with peers appropriately, including struggling with sharing, turn-taking, or playing cooperatively Difficulty in forming friendships or interacting with peers appropriately Delayed speech development or difficulty in articulating thoughts and needs, impacting the ability to communicate effectively in social settings Poor boundaries or understanding of safety skills around different people, such as being overly familiar with strangers or not recognizing personal space Limited interest in social interactions or preference for solitary play Difficulty in participating in group activities or following group norms, leading to social isolation or peer conflicts Overly aggressive or passive behavior in social situations, indicating an imbalance in social approach strategies Role of occupational therapy: Provide support in developing social skills, which are vital for building relationships and interacting successfully with peers. This includes teaching social cues recognition, turn-taking, building relationships, understanding personal space, and identifying appropriate responses in social interactions. Role-playing and guided play sessions are often used to build these skills. Play is a child’s primary occupation!
-
Additional OT Services:Environmental Modifications: OTs recommend and help implement modifications in homes, schools, or other environments to create sensory-friendly and accessible spaces to better support each client’s sensory and functional needs. Parent and Caregiver Education: Empower parents and caregivers with the knowledge and skills needed to support the client’s progress and development outside therapy sessions by encouraging active caregiver participation. OT interventions aim to enable parents and caregivers to effectively support the client’s therapy goals at home. Collaborative Care: OTs often collaborate with other professionals, such as speech therapists, physical therapists, educators, and psychologists, to provide comprehensive care tailored to the client’s needs.
Paws and Progress’s AAT program caters to all ages for any humans who enjoy the company of animals and are open to holistic therapy approaches. The science of OT is blended with the heartwarming benefits of AAT, creating a therapeutic experience that is not just effective, but also joyous and life-enhancing. I strive to uphold the highest standards of safety and care by regularly reviewing all policies to ensure the welfare of the clinic dogs and maintain a high-quality AAT program.
Paws and Progress provides a unique and effective approach to OT that leverages the power of the human-animal bond. Individualized interventions, goal-oriented sessions, and the therapeutic benefits of animals aim to enhance the well-being and progress of participants by helping them achieve their therapeutic goals and improve their overall quality of life. I continuously strive to meet and exceed the highest standards for safety, professionalism, and effectiveness in the programs and therapy sessions. I am committed to delivering positive and impactful experiences for all participants.
Paws and Progress Therapy will guide you through the process with care, expertise, and a focus on safety as you discover the difference that a tailored AAT program can make in enhancing therapeutic outcomes and enriching lives. If you or your child is interested in exploring the benefits of AAT, you are invited to contact us for more information and to start the journey toward enhanced well-being.
