creating beneficial human-animal interactions

building quality AAA & AAT PROGRAMS

You know animals can positively impact the quality of human life and you want to implement a high quality animal program. But where do you begin?

facility FIRST STEPS

Learn how Animal Assisted Activities and Animal Assisted Therapy can impact your facility
Create a standards-based program of beneficial human-animal interactions
Commit to a staff investment
Recruit qualified handlers and animals
Observe the benefits of humans and animals together!

visiting animal VS. resident animal

Depending on the facility, a visiting animal or a resident animal may be more appropriate in accomplishing Animal Assisted Activities and Animal Assisted Therapy. Some facilities can utilize both.

visiting animal PROS

	fewer costs to facility
	moderate facility control over program
	can operate with small staff investment
	few facility environment changes needed
	allergy/phobia concerns more easily controlled
	animals/handlers meet specific therapy animal registry standards
	safety and health risks are easily controlled
	nationally registered volunteers have liability insurance

visiting animal CONS

	limited interaction time for participants
	availability of qualified handler and animal teams may be limited in your area

resident

	expanded interaction time with animals
	unlimited opportunities for life enhancement
	high facility control over program
	policies identify process for selecting and managing appropriate resident animals

resident animal CONS

	significant costs (animal care, dedicated staff)
	significant staff investment and commitment required
	many facility environment and protocol changes
	allergy/phobia concerns must be addressed
	animal safety and quality of life concerns must be addressed
	multiple animal interactions must be managed
	facility must demonstrate that diligence was taken to provide for safe human-animal interactions

	Learn more about PROGRAM STANDARDS
	Learn more about VISITING ANIMALS
	Learn more about RESIDENT ANIMALS
	Learn more about LINKS TO RELATED SITES