Animal-Assisted Therapy: What it is, Benefits, and Treatment Options

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) uses the natural benefits of interacting with animals, like stress reduction and increased social engagement, to help people in addiction recovery. By incorporating animals into the therapeutic process, AAT supports mental and physical health and helps people develop skills essential for overcoming addiction.

This page will cover what AAT is, how it works, the benefits of AAT, and how AAT is incorporated into addiction treatment.

What Is Animal-Assisted Therapy?

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a type of therapy that includes animals in treatment sessions to help people improve their mental, social, emotional, or cognitive functioning.¹AAT recognizes the powerful bond between humans and animals and utilizes this connection to support healing and growth.¹

In AAT, therapy sessions are structured and involve planned interactions between patients and animals.¹ These activities are designed with specific therapeutic goals in mind, tailored to the individual needs of each patient.¹ Although research is ongoing, early findings suggest that AAT holds great potential for helping people with various challenges, including mental health conditions and substance use disorders.² Studies indicate that AAT can help reduce symptoms, aid in skill development, and improve overall quality of life.³

Types of Animal-Assisted Therapy

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) comes in various forms, each offering unique benefits depending on the individual and the animal involved. Some of the more common types include:^4-7

• Canine AAT – This is perhaps the most prevalent type of AAT, utilizing the natural companionship and intuitive nature of dogs. Dogs can be trained to assist in various therapeutic activities including providing comfort and companionship, motivating physical activity, and facilitating social interactions.
• Equine AAT – Horses are often used in AAT, particularly for individuals with physical or emotional challenges. Equine therapy can involve therapeutic riding, caring for horses, and groundwork exercises that help build trust and communication skills. An equine specialist, a therapist, and a horse wrangler are on site to monitor and maintain safety.
• Other types of AAT — which can include feline therapy, dolphin-assisted therapy, bird therapy, and small animal (e.g., rabbits, guinea pigs) therapy.

How Does Animal-Assisted Therapy Work?

AAT is not a stand-alone therapy strategy but rather serves as an adjunct to evidence-based psychotherapy.³ AAT occurs over a specific number of sessions. For example,  equine therapy may involve 8 sessions that cover an introduction and education on horses, simple exercises, and through to completion of more advanced exercises.⁵

AAT sessions are tailored to each person’s unique needs and goals, so activities can vary widely.³ For example, an equine therapy session might involve an exercise where a patient picks up a horse’s foot. This seemingly simple activity can be quite powerful. It demonstrates the importance of vulnerability in therapy, as the horse allows itself to be in a vulnerable position, trusting the patient. This can help patients understand that vulnerability can lead to deeper connection and growth, both with the therapist and in their own lives.³

What Are the Benefits of AAT?

AAT is a valuable addition to traditional addiction treatment. By incorporating animal interactions, AAT can improve mental and physical well-being and support the development of skills necessary for recovery.³ This makes it a beneficial complement to evidence-based behavioral therapies.

Mental Health

The potential mental health benefits of AAT include:³

• Improved self-esteem.
• Increased emotional support.
• Increased happiness.
• Decreased stress.
• Experiencing treatment as less intimidating and more friendly.

Physical Health

Animal-assisted therapy offers a variety of physical health benefits, stemming from both the structured activities involved and the simple act of interacting with animals. These include:³

• Release of endorphins, resulting in a sense of calm and happiness.
• Reduction of stress hormones.
• Lowered blood pressure.
• Lowered heart rate.
• Increased exercise.
• Increased mobility.

Skills Improvement

One study of 43 residential patients with an SUD and co-occurring mental health condition found that canine-assisted therapy significantly:⁸

• Improved self-care. 
• Increased positive interpersonal behavior.
• Enhanced communication skills.
• Increased planning and lowered impulsivity.

Another study of AAT with 36 patients who had co-occurring SUDs and schizophrenia- spectrum disorders found a decrease in psychotic symptoms and improvement in daily functioning as the sessions progressed.⁸

Treating Substance Use Disorders with Animal-Assisted Therapy

By improving mental and physical health and teaching valuable life skills, AAT can contribute to a higher quality of life and a reduced risk of relapse. Stronger social support and a healthier lifestyle, both of which can be fostered through AAT, are essential elements in maintaining long-term recovery.

Recovery is always possible. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, reach out to us at for support and to learn about your treatment options. Our knowledgeable and compassionate admissions navigators are available to help you begin your journey to recovery.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to your most frequently asked questions about animal-assisted therapy.