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What is animal-assisted therapy?



Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) means using animals to help people. It does not mean doing therapy on animals. Many professionals use animals in their work, for example in counselling, physical rehabilitation and education. There are also less structured ways to include animals in working with people, such as animal-assisted activities (AAA). Collectively, this work is known as animal-assisted interventions or AAI. More...


What are the benefits of AAT?



Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a relatively new field of scientific investigation. There is a strong push by professionals and universities to build upon the evidence base that supports animal-assisted interventions (AAI's). Research began formally in the 1960’s when pioneering psychiatrist Boris Levinson discovered accidentally that his clients related to his dog. More recently research has focused on the social, physical/physiological and psychological benefits of human-animal interaction and companionship. More...


Get involved!



Join our Directory of Clinicians who are using AAT in their professional practice.

Join our Directory of Volunteers who are visiting with their pets.

Get your dog ready to do therapy work with our Therapy Dog Training Programme.


Learn More



Contact us with your questions, or join our mailing list.

Visit our links page for more Australian and International information.


Strays Birthday



Lead The Way & The Canine Communicators are helping raise money for Strays Birthdays, an initiative being run by the Lort Smith Shelter Program. Up until September 1st 2008, we will be collecting money to donate to this worthwhile cause. If you would like to make a donation online, please visit: www.straysbirthday.com

Throughout August, we will be organising various activities at Alpha Dog Training for their customers to help raise money for Strays Birthday.


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