Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT)^*

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a goal-directed intervention in which an animal meeting specific criteria is an integral part of the treatment process. AAT is delivered and/or directed by a health/human service provider working within the scope of her/his profession. AAT is designed to promote improvement in human physical, social, emotional, and/or cognitive functioning. AAT is provided in a variety of settings, and may be group or individual in nature. The process is documented and evaluated.

^*Handbook for Animal-Assisted Activities and Animal-Assisted Therapy.  The Delta Society. July 1992. p. 55.