Pet Therapy for Health Professionals: Applications and Benefits

Course overview

This course introduces healthcare professionals to the foundational concepts of pet therapy, also known as animal-assisted therapy (AAT). It explores the historical evolution of therapeutic human-animal interactions, from ancient healing practices to structured clinical applications. Learners will gain an understanding of key terminology, including the differences between animal-assisted therapy (AAT) and animal-assisted activities (AAA), and how these interventions are used across various healthcare settings. By the end of this course, participants will be equipped with the knowledge to support the safe, ethical, and effective use of pet therapy in clinical practice.