Animal-Assisted Therapy and Animal Welfare

While animal-assisted therapy offers benefits to human participants, the welfare of therapy animals is an often-overlooked concern.

Key Facts

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) involves trained animals in structured therapeutic interventions
Dogs, horses, rabbits, and other species are used in AAT programs
Therapy animals may work in hospitals, schools, care homes, and prisons
Research shows stress indicators in therapy dogs after AAT sessions including yawning and lip-licking
Without adequate rest, therapy animals can show signs of chronic stress and burnout
Best practice guidelines recommend maximum working hours, mandatory rest days, and handler training
The International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations publishes welfare standards for AAT

Welfare Considerations

Animal-assisted therapy programs rest on the assumption that the human benefits of animal interaction can be achieved while keeping the animal welfare-positive. In practice, this requires careful attention to the individual animal temperament, working conditions, and stress indicators. Therapy animals are frequently exposed to unfamiliar environments, uncontrolled approaches by multiple strangers, loud noises, and irregular schedules — all potential stressors. Without systematic welfare monitoring, well-intentioned programs may inadvertently compromise animal welfare. Dogs used in AAT frequently show behavioural indicators of stress during sessions. Robust welfare frameworks including animal choice and control, adequate rest, and regular welfare assessment are essential to ensure AAT truly benefits both participants.

What You Can Do

Ask AAT programs about their animal welfare policies before referring clients or volunteering
Advocate for minimum welfare standards for therapy animals in your organisation or community
Learn to recognise signs of stress in dogs and other therapy animals
Support certification schemes that include mandatory animal welfare assessments
Raise concerns if you observe therapy animals showing signs of discomfort or stress