“It’s [AAT] helped some of our patients talk about issues of abandonment and rejection . . . talk about emotions they might have trouble getting in touch with.”

Barbara Esposito
Animal-Assisted Therapy Professional

Animal-Assisted Activities/Therapy 101

Animal-assisted activities (AAA) and animal-assisted therapy (AAT) are the preferred terms used by Delta Society as they suggest that the animal is the motivating force that enhances treatment provided by a well-trained person.

PLEASE NOTE:The term "pet therapy" should be avoided because it is inaccurate and misleading. This term was widely used several decades ago to refer to animal behavior training programs. Other terms, like "pet-facilitated therapy" and "animal-facilitated therapy" have also been associated with AAA/T.

What is a Therapy Animal?

It is important to understand the difference between Service Animals, Therapy Animals, Companion Animals and "Social/therapy" Animals. Visit Delta Society's National Service Animal Resource Center to learn more.

AAA/T at a Glance

For our AAA/T at a Glance handout, please click HERE. Otherwise click the LEARN MORE button below to discover what AAA and AAT are, and the key differences between the two.