Therapet Animal Assisted Therapy
Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is the utilization of animals as a therapeutic modality to facilitate healing and rehabilitation of patients with acute or chronic diseases.
Therapet Animal Assisted Therapy
The Arc has partnered with the Therapet Program that consists of Therapet dogs and other animals that will be used for this program in the Chapel Hill School District. This program began in the Chapel Hill Elementary Special Education Classes. Due to the success and growth of this program with Therapet dogs and students working together for the benefit of a better learning experience the Therapet program has expanded to a total of three Chapel Hill campuses. Therapet will help the special needs children while using their animals to help the children with their motor skills, strengthening self-esteem, helping the children to better focus on their school work while helping them to remain calm in classroom.
It is our goal that this Therapet Program will eventually be offered in the Tyler Independent school district.
What is Animal Assisted Therapy?
Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is the utilization of animals as a therapeutic modality to facilitate healing and rehabilitation of patients with acute or chronic diseases.
What is the difference between a Visitation Program and AAT?
A visitation program occurs when animals accompany their owners to a facility and visit with the patients or residents. The main goal of this type program is socialization. An Animal Assisted Therapy program occurs when animals are used by the therapist in goal directed treatment sessions, as a modality, to facilitate optimal patient outcomes. Regardless of the type of program, all animals should be temperament tested, given a complete veterinary screening and receive obedience training before beginning to work with patients.
