Animal-Assisted Activities and Therapy Bibliography

Many articles have been published about animal-assisted activities and therapy (AAA/T). Finding those articles, however, can sometimes be a challenge. Delta Society offers you this listing to assist in your search for the information you need. The articles are grouped by patient population and/or facility type. These references reflect a variety of research designs and reported outcomes. Please tell us about other articles you believe should be included.

More statistical evidence of the effects of AAA/T is always needed. If you are in a position to do a research study, please include us in your distribution upon the study's completion. We would love to include your study in our library. Please send us your study at:

Delta Society
875 124th Ave NE, Ste 101
Bellevue, WA 98005.

For additional bibliographies and articles related to AAA/T, please refer to the following sections of this web site:

Animals in Healthcare Facilities Infection Control Guidelines

Draft Guideline for Environmental Infection Control in Healthcare Facilities. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee. Animals in Healthcare Facilities Infection Control Guidelines from the CDC. See Section H. Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader 3.0 or later.

Get Adobe Acrobat ReaderDownload the Adobe Acrobat Reader if you don't have the latest version. An accessible version of the download page is available.

Therapeutic Roles of Animals (General)

  • Barker, S.B. (1999). Therapeutic aspects of the human-companion animal interaction. Psychiatric Times, February, 45-46.
  • Brickel, C. A. (1986). Pet-facilitated therapies: A review of the literature and clinical implementation considerations. Clinical Gerontologist, 5(3-4), 309-332.
  • Carpenter, S. (1997). Therapeutic roles of animals. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 211(2), 154-155.
  • Cole, K. M. and Gawliniski, A. (2000). Animal-assisted therapy: The human-animal bond. AACN Clinical Issue: Advanced Practice in Acute and Critical Care, February, 11(1) 139.
  • Dossey, L. (1997). The healing power of pets: A look at animal-assisted therapy. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 3(4), 8-16.
  • Hawlwy, K. & Cates, M. (1998). Paws for comfort. Nursing, 28(2), 57.
  • Howe, C. (1995). The healing power of animals. Nursing Standard, 9(41), 45.
  • Iannuzzi, D. & Rowan, A. N. (1991). Ethical issues in animal-assisted therapy programs. Anthrozoös, 4(3), 154-163.
  • Jennings, L. B. (1997). Potential benefits of pet ownership in health promotion. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 15(4), 358-372.
  • Jorgenson, J. (1997). Therapeutic use of companion animals in health care. Image - The Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 29(3), 249-254.
  • McConnell, E.A. (2002). Myths & facts . . .about animal-assisted therapy. Nursing, March, 32(3): 76.
  • McCulloch, M. J. (1986). Animal-facilitated therapy: Overview and future direction. Phi Kappa Phi Journal, Winter, 13-24.
  • Meyer, H. R. (1997). Pet therapy: Barking up the right tree. Hospitals & Health Networks, 71(18), 38-39.
  • Miller, C. K. (2000). Animal-assisted therapy: an indepth look. Dimens Critical Care Nursing, May-June 19(3):20-6.
  • Miller, K. Making the rounds with the pastoral care dog. Chaplaincy Today, Winter, 17(2): 23-8.
  • Montague, J. (1995). Continuing care – back to the garden. Hospitals & Health Networks, 69(17), 58, 60.
  • Nebbe, L. L. (1995). Nature as a guide: Nature in counseling, therapy, and education. Minneapolis, MN: Educational Media Corporation.
  • Netting. F. E., Wilson, C. C., New, J. C. (1987). The human-animal bond: Implications for practice. Social Work, 32(1), 60-64.
  • Odendaal, J.S. (2000). Animal-assisted therapy - magic or medicine? Journal of Psychomsom. Res. October, 49(4): 275-80.
  • Ptak, A.L. (2000). Animal -assisted therapy: a prescription for health. Interactions, 18(2), 3-6+.
  • Price, C. L. (1996). Patients improve with pet therapy. Texas Medicine, 92(8), 12-13.
  • Saylor, K. (1996). Pet therapy . . . a howling success. Colorado Nurse, 96(3), 9.
  • Schantz, P. M. (1990). Preventing potential health hazards incidental to the use of pets in therapy. Anthrozoös, 4(1), 14-23.
  • Thomason, A. (1997). Animal Magic. Nursing Times, 93(40), 43.
  • White, J. W. (1997). Therapeutic intervention on four paws. Military Medicine, 162(11):iii, 725.
  • Willis, D. A. (1997). Animal therapy. Rehabilitation Nursing, 2(2), 78-81.

Acute Care Units

  • Barba, B. E. (1995). The positive influence of animals: Animal-assisted therapy in acute care. Clinical Nurse Specialist, 9(4), 199-202.
  • Fila, D. (1991). The significance of companion animals to a geriatric vascular patient: A case study. Holistic Nursing Practice, 5(2), 11-15.

AIDS and Immunocompromised Patients

  • Albert, T. (1996). Visiting people who have AIDS. Pet Partners® Newsletter, 6(3), 1.
  • Carmack, B.J. (1991). The role of companion animals for persons with AIDS/HIV. Holistic Nursing Practice, 5(2), 24-31.
  • Kale, M. (1992). Animals and AIDS patients. Interactions, 10(2), 9-12.
  • Gorczyca, K. (1992). Pets and the immunocompromised patient. Syntex Journal Rounds, 2(3), 4-6.
  • Siegel, J.M., Angulo, F.J. Detels, R. Wesch, J., Mullen, A. (1999). AIDS diagnosis and depression the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study: The ameliorating impact of pet ownership. AIDS Care, 11(2) 157-169.

Alzheimer's Disease/Dementia

  • Batson, K., McCabe, B., & Baun, M.M. (1998) Effects of a therapy dog on socialization and physiologic indicators of stress in persons diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. In C.C. Wilson & D.C. Turner (eds.), Companion Animals in Human Health (pp. 2093-215). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
  • Beyersdorfer. Patty S. & Birkenhauer, Donna M. (1990). The Therapeutic use of pets on an Alzheimer's unit. American Journal of Alzheimer's Care and Related Disorders and Research 5 (1), 13-17.
  • Churchill, M., Safaoui, J., McCabe, B.W., & Baun, M.M. (1999). Effects of a therapy dog in alleviating the agitation behavior of sundown syndrome and in increasing socialization for persons with Alzheimer's Disease. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 37 (4), 16-22.
  • Fritz, C.L, Thomas B.F., Kass, P.H. & Hart, Lynette. (1995). Association with companion animals and the expression of noncognitive symptoms in Alzheimer's patients. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease, 183(7), 459-463.
  • Kanamori, M., Suzuki M., Yamanoto, K., Kanda, M., Matsui, Y., Kozima, E., Takeuchi, S., & Oshiro, H. (2001). Evaluation of animal-assisted therapy for the elderly with senile dementia in a day care program. Nippon Ronel Igakkai Zasshi, September, 38(5) 659+ (Article is in Japanese).
  • Kongable, L. Buckwalter, K. & Stolley, J. (1989). The effects of pet therapy on the social behavior of institutionalized Alzheimer's clients. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 3(4), 191-198.
  • Laun, L. (2003) Benefits of pet therapy in dementia. Home Healthcare Nurse, 21(1), January, 49-52.
  • Manor, Wendy. (1991). Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers: The Role of the human-animal bond. Holistic Nursing Practice, 5(2), 32-37.
  • Shelkey, M. Use of a service dog for dementia care. (1999). Paper presented at the 18th annual conference of the Delta Society: Science & Magic: The Human-Animal Bond, Cincinnati, OH.

Children and Adolescents

  • Kruger, K.A., Trachtenberg, S.W., Serpell, J.A. (2004). Can animals help humans heal? Animal-assisted interventions in adolescent mental health. Center for Interaction of Animals and Society, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. July. Available: http://www2.vet.upenn.edu/research/centers/cias/store.htm
  • Banman, J.K. (1995). Animal-assisted therapy with adolescents in a psychiatric faciltiy. Journal of Pastoral Care, Fall, 49(3): 274-8.
  • Bardill, N. & Hutchinson, S. (1997). Animal-assisted therapy with hospitalized adolescents. Journal of Child & Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing, 10(1), 17-24.
  • Bertoti, D. B. (1988). Effects of therapeutic horseback riding on posture in children with cerebral palsy. Journal of the American Physical Therapy Association, 68(10), 1505-1512.
  • Burch, M. Animal-assisted therapy and crack babies: (1991). A new frontier. Pet Partners Newsletter, 1(2), 1-2.
  • Cawley, R., Cawley, D. & Retter, K. (1994). Therapeutic horseback riding and self-concept in adolescents with special educational needs. Anthrozoös, 7(2), 129-133.
  • Gonski, Y. A. (1985). The therapeutic utilization of canines in a child welfare setting. Child & Adolescent Social Work Journal, 2(2), 93-105.
  • Hansen, K.M., Messinger, C.J., Baun, M.M. & Megel, M. (1999). Companion animals alleviating distress in children. Anthrozoös, 12(3), 142-148.
  • Heimlich, K. (2003). Animal-assisted therapy and the child with severe disabilities, a case study. The Rehabilitation Professional, April/May/June, 41-52.
  • Heimlich, K. (2001). Animal-assisted therapy and the severely disabled child: A quantitative study. Journal of Rehabilitation, 67 (4), October/November/December, 48-54.
  • Kale, M. (1992). Kids & animals: A comforting hospital combination. Interactions, 10(3), 17-21.
  • Kale, M. (1992). Teens at risk: Working with animals to create a new self-image. Interactions, 10(4), 6-9.
  • Katcher, A.H. & Wilkins. (1994). The use of animal-assisted therapy and education with attention-deficit hyperactive and conduct disorders. Interactions, 12(4), 1-5.
  • Limond, J.A., Bradshaw, J.W.S. & Cormack, K.F.M. (1997). Behavior of children with learning disabilities interacting with a therapy dog. Anthrozoös, 10(2/3), 84-88.
  • Mallon, G. (1992). Utilization of animals as therapeutic adjuncts with children and youth: A review of the literature. Child & Youth Care Forum, 21(1), 53-67.
  • Nebbe, L. L. (1991). The human-animal bond and the elementary school counselor. School Counselor, 38(5), 362-371.
  • Poleshuck, L.R. (1997). Animal assisted therapy for children and adolescents with disabilities. Work: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation. 9, 285-293.
  • Redefer, L. A. & Goodman, J. F. (1989). Pet-facilitated therapy with autistic children. Journal of Autism & Developmental Disorders, 19(3), 461-467.
  • Ross, S. B. (1983). The therapeutic use of animals with the handicapped. International Child Welfare Review, 56, 26-39.

Correctional Facilities

  • Albert, T. (1996). Visiting prisons and detention centers. Pet Partners Newsletter, 6(2), 1.
  • Haynes, M. (1991). Pet therapy: Program lifts spirits, reduces violence in institution's mental health unit. Corrections Today, August, 120-122.
  • Hines, L. (1983). Pets in prison: A new partnership. California Veterinarian, May, 7-17.
  • Katcher, A, Beck, M., & Levine, D. (1989). Evaluation of a pet program in prison: The PAL project at Lorton. Anthrozoös, 2(3), 175-180.
  • Moneymaker, J. M. & Strimple, E. O. (1991). Animals and inmates: A caring companionship behind bars. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 16(3-4), 133-152.
  • Ormerod, E. (1996). Pet programmes in prisons. The SCAS Journal, Winter, 8(4), 1-3.
  • Walsh, P. G. & Mertin, P. C. (1994). The training of pets as therapy dogs in a women's prison: A pilot study. Anthrozoös, 7(2), 124-128.

Hospice

  • Chinner, T. L. & Dalziel, F. R. (1991). An exploratory study on the viability and efficacy of pet-facilitated therapy project within a hospice. Journal of Palliative Care, 7(4), 13-20.
  • Jamie, W. (1987). Animal assisted therapy in the hospice. The Latham Letter. Spring, 8(2), 1+.
  • Phear, D. (1997). A study of animal companionship in a day hospice. The SCAS Journal, Spring, 9(2), 1-3.
  • Slavin, Peter. (1996). A sense for who needs them. Hospice, Spring, 7(2), 21-26.

Intensive Care Units

  • Cole, K. M. & Gawlinski, A. (1995). Animal-assisted therapy in the intensive care unit: A staff nurse's dream come true. Nursing Clinics of North America, 30(3), 529-537.

Nursing

  • Miller, J., Ingram L. (2000). Perioperative nursing and animal-assisted therapy. AORN Journal, September, 72(3): 477-83.

Nursing Home Facilities

  • Banks, M. R., Banks, W. A. (2002). The effects of animal-assisted therapy on loneliness in an elderly population in long-term care facilities. Journal of Gerontology: Medical Sciences, 57A(7), M428-M432.
  • Bigatello, G., Lukcas, A., Terragni, A, Galimberti, M & Buttram, D. (2000). AAA/T in the nursing home: Preliminary assumptions and comparisons of a pilot experience in Italy. Interactions, 18(2), 8-9.
  • Brickel, C. A. (1984). The clinical use of pets with the aged. Clinical Gerontologist, 2(4), 72-75.
  • Damon, J. & May, R. (1986). The effects of pet facilitative therapy on patients and staff in an adult day care center. Activities, Adaptation & Aging, 8(3-4), 117-131.
  • Darrah, J.P. (1996). A pilot survey of animal-facilitated therapy in southern California and South Dakota nursing homes. Occupational Therapy International, 3(2) 105-121.
  • Erikson, R. (1985). Companion animals and the elderly. Geriatric Nursing, 6(2), 92-96.
  • Fick, K. M. (1993). The influence of an animal on social interactions of nursing home residents in a group setting. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 47 (6), 529-534.
  • Gammonly, J. & Yates, J. (1991). Pet projects: Animal Assisted therapy in nursing homes. Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 17(1), 12-15.
  • Granger, B. P. & Carter, D. (1991). The use and nonuse of companion animals by volunteers in nursing homes: A comparative study. Anthrozoös, 4(4), 237-246.
  • Hendy, H. M. (1987). Effects of pet and/or people visits on nursing home residents. International Journal of Aging & Human Development, 25(4), 279-291.
  • Hoffman, R. G. (1991). Companion animals: A therapeutic measure for elderly patients. Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 18(1-2), 195-205.
  • Park, K. (1999). Pets bring therapeutic benefits to nursing homes. Balance, July-August, 3(4), 18-20.
  • Reap, K. (1995). Pet therapy: A visit to Pitman Manor and their live-in poodle. Director, 3(4), 166.
  • Savishinsky, J. (1985). Pets and family relationships among nursing home residents. Special Issue: Pets and the family. Marriage & Family Review, 8(3-4), 109-134.
  • Winkler, A., Fairnie, H., Gericevich, F., & Long, M. (1989). The impact of a resident dog on an institution for the elderly: Effects on perceptions and social interactions. Gerontologist, 29(2), 216-223.
  • Yates, J. (1987). Project PUP: The perceived benefits to nursing home residents. Anthrozoös, 1(3), 188-192.

Oncology Units

  • Muschel, I. J. (1984). Pet therapy with terminal cancer patients. Social-Casework, 65(8), 451-458.
  • Raveis, V. H., Mesagno, F., Karus, D. & Gorey, E. (1993). Pet ownership as a protective factor supporting the emotional well-being of cancer patients and their family members. Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Department of Social Work Research Unit.

Psychiatric Facilities

  • Banman, J.K. (1995). Animal-assisted therapy with adolescents in a psychiatric facility. Journal of Pastoral Care. Fall, 49(3), 274-8.
  • Bardill, N. & Hutchinson S. (1997). Animal-assisted therapy with hospitalized adolescents. Journal of Child Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing, 10(1), 17-24.
  • Barker, S.B. & Dawson, K.S. (1998). The effects of animal-assisted therapy on Anxiety ratings of Hospitalized psychiatric patients. Psychiatric Services, 49(6), 797-801.
  • Beck, A. M., Seraydarian, L., & Hunter, G. F. (1986). Use of animals in the rehabilitation of psychiatric inpatients. Psychological Reports, 58(1), 63-66.
  • Cassidy, K., Webb, L., McKeown, D., & Stiles, T. (1995). Evaluation of a companion animals on a continuing care psychiatric unit. Perspectives, 19(2), 15-20.
  • Corson, S. A., Corson, E. O., Gwynne, P. H., & Arnold, E, H. (1975). Pet-facilitated psychotherapy in a hospital setting. In J. H. Masserman (Ed.), Current Psychiatric Therapies. (pp. 277-286). New York: Grune and Stratton.
  • Draper, R.J., Gerber, G.J., & Layng, E.M. (1990). Defining the role of pet animals in psychotherapy. Psychiatric Journal, University of Ottawa, 15(3), 169-172.
  • Haughie, E., Milne, D., & Elliot, V. (1992). An evaluation of companion pets with elderly psychiatric patients. Behavioural Psychotherapy, 20(4), 367-372.
  • Holcomb, R., Jendro, C., Weber, B. & Nahan, U. (1997). Use of an aviary to relieve depression in elderly males. Anthrozoös, 10 (1), 32-36.
  • Holcomb, R. & Meacham, M. (1989). Effectiveness of an animal-assisted therapy program in an inpatient psychiatric unit. Anthrozoös, 2(4), 259-264.
  • Hundley, J. (1991). Pet Project: The use of pet facilitated therapy among the chronically mentally ill. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing, 29(6), 23-26.
  • Marr, C.A., French, L., Thomason, D., Thompson, L.D., Greening, G.; Mormon, J.; Henderson, I & Carroll. W.H. (2000). Animal-assisted therapy in psychiatric rehabilitation. Anthrozoös, 13(1), 43-47.
  • Mason, M.S., Hagan, C.B. (1999). Pet-assisted psychotherapy. Psychological Reports, June 84(3), 1235-45.
  • Zisselman, M.H., Rovner, B.W., Shmuely, Y. & Ferrie, P. (1996). A pet therapy intervention with geriatric psychiatry inpatients. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 50(1), 47-50.

Speech Therapy

  • Adams, D.L. (1997). Animal-assisted enhancement of speech therapy: A case study. Anthrozoös, 10(1), 53-56.

Spinal Cord and Rehabilitation Units

  • Casey, H.M. (1996). A survey of occupational therapists using pet-facilitated therapy. Home Health Care Management & Practice. 8, 10-17.
  • Counsell, C. M., Abram, J., & Gilbert, M. (1997). Animal assisted therapy and the individual with spinal cord injury. SCI Nursing, 14(2), 52-55.
  • DePauw, K. P. (1986). Horseback riding for individuals with disabilities: Programs, philosophy, and research. Adapted Physical Activity Quarterly, 3, 217-226
  • Jessen, J., Cardiello, F., & Baun, M. M. (1996). Avian companionship in alleviation of depression, loneliness, and low morale of older adults in skilled rehabilitation units. Psychological Reports, 78(1), 339-348.
  • Schleeper, C. (1996). The use of animal therapy in occupational therapy. Journal of Occupational Therapy Students, October, 16-18