Review Article
Joanna Kapustka 
, Monika Budzyńska
Department of Animal Ethology and Wildlife Management, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
Abstract. Animal-assisted therapy involves many species of domesticated animals (e.g. dog, cat, horse) as well as more exotic species (e.g. dolphin) or small mammals (e.g. guinea pig) and is used for improvement in physical and mental functioning of both, children and adults. The aim of this review is to characterize the types of animal-assisted therapy based on the use of various animal species: the dog, the cat, the horse, the donkey, the alpaca, and the bottlenose dolphin. This review also provides some information about the usefulness of other animal species and categories such as small mammals (“pocket pets”), birds, fish, and farm animals. Contact with the animal might promote the development of personality, education, and rehabilitation and improves the quality of life of pet owners. The animal might be also a great motivator for undertaking new activities. A properly selected and trained dog, horse, or alpaca is a great support in therapist work and helps to establish an appropriate human-animal relationship.
Keywords: animal-assisted therapy, contact with animals, therapeutic animal
Animals were appreciated and used for improvement in human physical and mental functioning as early as in ancient times [Serpell 2010Serpell, J.A. (2010). Animal-Assisted Interventions in Historical Perspective. Chapter 2. [In] Handbook on Animal-Assisted Therapy Foundations and Guidelines for Animal-Assisted Interventions. [Ed.] A.H. Fine. 4th Edition, Elsevier, Pomona, CA, USA. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-381453-1.10002-9, Jagielski et al. 2014Jagielski, D., Jagielska, A., Pyszora, A. (2014). Dogoterapia – historia, założenia, cele. Propozycja zastosowania w opiece paliatywnej [Dog-assisted therapy as a proposed intervention in palliative care. Its history, premises and treatment objectives]. Med. Paliat. Prakt., 8(4), 163–167 [in Polish]. Google Scholar]. Over the years, the therapeutic use of animals has gained greater importance and has focused on the achievement of specific effects [Nimer and Lundahl 2007Nimer, J., Lundahl, B. (2007). Animal-Assisted Therapy: A Meta-Analysis. Anthrozoos, 20(3), 225–238. https://doi.org/10.2752/089279307X224773, Jagielski et al. 2014Jagielski, D., Jagielska, A., Pyszora, A. (2014). Dogoterapia – historia, założenia, cele. Propozycja zastosowania w opiece paliatywnej [Dog-assisted therapy as a proposed intervention in palliative care. Its history, premises and treatment objectives]. Med. Paliat. Prakt., 8(4), 163–167 [in Polish]. Google Scholar]. At present, animal-assisted therapy is widely applied to improve patients' health [Cirulli et al. 2011Cirulli, F., Borgi, M., Berry, A., Francia, N., Alleva, E. (2011). Animal-assisted interventions as innovative tools for mental health. Ann. Ist. Super. Sanita, 47(3), 341–348. Google Scholar, Budzińska-Wrzesień et al. 2012Budzińska-Wrzesień, E., Wrzesień, R., Jarmuł-Pietraszczyk, J., Świtacz, A. (2012). Therapeutic role of animals in human life – examples of dog and cat assisted therapy. Ecol. Chem. Eng. A. 19 (11), 1375–1381. Google Scholar]. Contact with animals might exert a positive effect on the mental welfare and quality of life of humans, who have infrequent contact with nature in today's world [Gardiánová and Hejrová 2015Gardiánová, I., Hejrová, P. (2015). The use of small animals – mammals, birds, fish in zootherapy. Kontakt, 17(3), e171-e176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kontakt.2015.08.008]. Animals have a natural tendency to bond with a human [Nimer and Lundahl 2007Nimer, J., Lundahl, B. (2007). Animal-Assisted Therapy: A Meta-Analysis. Anthrozoos, 20(3), 225–238. https://doi.org/10.2752/089279307X224773]. Individuals suitable for companion and therapeutic purposes are often highly social animals, and if less social individuals are used, they can still fulfill their needs for attention of human partners [Odendaal 2000Odendaal, J.S.J. (2000). Animal-assisted therapy – magic or medicine? J. Psychosom. Res., 49, 275–280. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-3999(00)00183-5]. Studies of positive interaction among humans and animals stated that the dogs experience the same physiological effects (e.g. increase of beta-endorphin, oxytocin, prolactin) as the patients [Odendaal 2000Odendaal, J.S.J. (2000). Animal-assisted therapy – magic or medicine? J. Psychosom. Res., 49, 275–280. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-3999(00)00183-5, Odendaal and Lehmann 2000Odendaal, J.S.J., Lehmann, S.M.C. (2000). The role of phenyletylamine during positive human-dog interaction. Acta Vet. Brno, 69, 183–188. https://doi.org/10.2754/avb200069030183]. This is why it can be of importance from an animal well-being point of view as the animals used in animal-assisted therapy can experience the same benefits from such interactions as people. The aim of this review is to characterize the types of animal-assisted therapy based on the use of various species: the dog (Canis familiaris), the cat (Felis catus), the horse (Equus caballus), the donkey (Equus asinus), the alpaca (Vicugna pacos), and the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). This review also provides some information about the usefulness of other animal species and categories such as small mammals (“pocket pets”), birds, fish, and farm animals.
Pet partners (formerly known as the Delta Society) is the largest nonprofit organization setting standards of animal-assisted therapy worldwide [Pet Partners 2020Pet Partners (2020). Website. https://petpartners.org/learn/terminology/, access: 01.07.2020. Google Scholar]. The organization has specified three types of animal work in the field of animal-assisted therapy, which altogether are defined as AAI (Animal Assisted Intervention). Table 1 presents the characteristics of the types of AAI activities [Pet Partners 2020Pet Partners (2020). Website. https://petpartners.org/learn/terminology/, access: 01.07.2020. Google Scholar].
Table 2 shows animal species mainly used in various types of therapeutic interventions [Cieśla 2007Cieśla, A. (2007). The characteristic of horse used in hippotherapy in selected horse therapy centres in Poland. Acta Sci. Pol. Zootechnica, 6(1), 3–14. Google Scholar, Pluta 2008Pluta, M. (2008). Hipporehabilitation at the Felin Experimental Farm of the Agricultural University in 2000–2006. Ann. UMCS, Sect. EE Zootech., 26 (2), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.2478/v10083-008-0005-3, Budzińska-Wrzesień et al. 2012Budzińska-Wrzesień, E., Wrzesień, R., Jarmuł-Pietraszczyk, J., Świtacz, A. (2012). Therapeutic role of animals in human life – examples of dog and cat assisted therapy. Ecol. Chem. Eng. A. 19 (11), 1375–1381. Google Scholar, Cieśla and Mazan 2015Cieśla, A., Mazan, J. (2015). The effect of Animal-Assisted Activities (AAA) involving a dog on pre-school children in the light of their parents' opinions. Acta Sci. Pol. Zootechnica, 14(4), 33–42. Google Scholar, Chuprikova and Dąbrowska 2016Chuprikova, E., Dąbrowska, O. (2016). Mikropolaryzacja i delfinoterapia w terapii zaburzeń mowy i komunikacji [Micro-Polarizaton and Dolphin Assisted Therapy as the methods influencing progress in speech and communications]. [in]: Wieloaspektowość komunikacji [eds.] K. Szafrańska, I. Klonowska, E. Małachowska. Pedagogium Wyższa Szkoła Nauk Społecznych, Warszawa [in Polish]. Google Scholar, Kolarczyk et al. 2016Kolarczyk, E.B., Markiewicz-Łoskot, G., Jaromin, J. (2016). Hippotherapy – an effective multi-profile treatment? Ann. Acad. Med. Siles. 70, 177–183. https://doi.org/10.18794/aams/62991, PTHip 2020PTHip (2020). Polskie Towarzystwo Hipoterapeutyczne [The Polish Society of Hippotherapy]. http://pthip.org.pl/, access: 05.02.2020 [in Polish]. Google Scholar, Pet Partners 2020Pet Partners (2020). Website. https://petpartners.org/learn/terminology/, access: 01.07.2020. Google Scholar]. Other species such as small mammals (“pocket pets”), farm animals or aquarium fish can be also used in animal-assisted therapy but information on their impact has come from few studies [Edwards and Beck 2002Edwards, N.E., Beck, A.M. (2002). Animal-assisted therapy and nutrition in Alzheimer's disease. West. J. Nurs. Res., 24(6), 697–712. https://doi.org/10.1177/019394502320555430, Kršková et al. 2010Kršková, L., Talarovičová, A., Olexová, L. (2010). Guinea pigs – The "small great" therapist for autistic children, or: Do guinea pigs have positive effects on autistic child social behavior? Soc. Anim., 18, 139–151. https://doi.org/10.1163/156853010X491999, Berget and Braastad 2011Berget, B., Braastad, B.O. (2011). Animal-assisted therapy with farm animals for persons with psychiatric disorders. Ann. Ist. Super. Sanita, 47(4), 384–390. Google Scholar, Gardiánová and Hejrová 2015Gardiánová, I., Hejrová, P. (2015). The use of small animals – mammals, birds, fish in zootherapy. Kontakt, 17(3), e171-e176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kontakt.2015.08.008, Gut et al. 2018Gut, W., Crump, L., Zinsstag, J., Hattendorf, J., Hediger, K. (2018). The effect of human interaction on guinea pig behavior in animal-assisted therapy. J. Vet. Behav., 25, 56–64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2018.02.004].
Table
2. Animal
species used in various types of therapeutic interventions |
|
Animal species Gatunek |
Types of animal-assisted intervention – Rodzaje działań w zakresie AAI |
Dog |
PTK (The Polish
Society of Kynotherapy) distinguishes
three forms of therapeutic interventions with the use of dog
assistance: SP (meeting with a dog), EP (education with a dog),
and TP (therapy with a dog). They are very similar to those in
the Pet Partners’ division, given in Table 1 (SP to AAA, EP
to AAE, TP to AAT). Meetings with a dog (SP) bring many benefits
to both disabled and non-disabled children. |
Cat |
Felinotherapy can fit in with the Pet Partners
standards in the form of AAI or depending on a place of animal
residency: cats living in facilities or visiting patients.
Felinotherapy is used, inter alia, in nursing
homes and prisons to improve the
quality of life in people staying there. |
Horse |
Four types of equine-assisted interventions can be distinguished:
a) horseback physiotherapy b) psycho-pedagogical horse riding and
vaulting c) equine-assisted activities, based on contact with a
horse d) horseback riding (sports and leisure) for disabled
people (it is not typical hippotherapy, however, it may be its
continuation since they are closely related). Equine-assisted
interventions are primarily used for people with motor and
intellectual disabilities. |
Donkey |
The use of donkeys is similar to the use of horses in
equine-assisted interventions and includes grooming, riding, and
interacting with an animal. Only donkey-assisted therapy
(onotherapy) may show therapeutic effects similar to those
resulting from hippotherapy. It is successfully used for children
with motor and intellectual disabilities, as well as for adults. |
Alpaca |
Alpaca-assisted interventions can fit into Pet Partners standards
(AAI – Table 1). They can take the form of meetings (AAA),
education (AAE) or therapy with alpaca (AAT). While AAA is the
most frequently used form in Poland, alpaca assisted therapy is
quite rare. Alpaca-assisted interventions are effective for
healthy people and with motor or intellectual disabilities. |
Dolphin |
Dolphin-assisted therapy is a combination of aquatic therapy and
animal-assisted therapy, with a focus on human-animal contact.
The therapeutic team consists of a dolphin trainer, a therapist
(doctor, psychologist, rehabilitator), and a specially trained
dolphin. This type of animal-assisted therapy is primarily used
for children with intellectual disabilities. |
Canine-assisted therapy (also referred to as dog-assisted therapy or kynotherapy) is undoubtedly the most widespread and most common animal-assisted therapy [Lundqvist et al. 2017Lundqvist, M., Carlsson, P., Sjödahl, R., Theodorsson, E., Levin, L.A. (2017). Patient benefit of dog-assisted interventions in health care: a systematic review. BMC Complem. Altern. M., 17, 358. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-017-1844-7, Charry-Sánchez et al. 2018Charry-Sánchez, J.D., Pradilla, I., Talero-Gutiérez, C. (2018). Animal-assisted therapy in adults: A systematic review. Compl. Ther. Clin. Pract., 32, 169–180. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.06.011]. The Polish Society of Kynotherapy (PTK) defines canine-assisted therapy as a method for enhancement of the effectiveness of personality development, education, and rehabilitation, in which a properly selected and trained dog is the motivator and the therapy is provided by a qualified therapist [PTK 2020PTK (2020). Polskie Towarzystwo Kynoterapeutyczne [The Polish Society of Kynotherapy]. http://www.kynoterapia.eu/, access: 05.02.2020 [in Polish]. Google Scholar]. Kynotherapy was included in Poland in the Register of Professions and Specializations in 2007 [Cieśla and Mazan 2015Cieśla, A., Mazan, J. (2015). The effect of Animal-Assisted Activities (AAA) involving a dog on pre-school children in the light of their parents' opinions. Acta Sci. Pol. Zootechnica, 14(4), 33–42. Google Scholar]. Canine-assisted therapy could have a positive effect on patients’ mood, health, well-being and quality of life, it reduces stress and depression symptoms [Lundqvist et al. 2017Lundqvist, M., Carlsson, P., Sjödahl, R., Theodorsson, E., Levin, L.A. (2017). Patient benefit of dog-assisted interventions in health care: a systematic review. BMC Complem. Altern. M., 17, 358. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-017-1844-7].
The dog must be selected and trained to be suitable for the specific form of therapy. It is suggested that the therapeutic dog should originate from a registered kennel, although mixed-breed dogs are allowed to take the examination as well [PTK 2020PTK (2020). Polskie Towarzystwo Kynoterapeutyczne [The Polish Society of Kynotherapy]. http://www.kynoterapia.eu/, access: 05.02.2020 [in Polish]. Google Scholar]. There are many breeds on the list of therapeutic dogs registered in PTK. Retrievers exhibit special predispositions [Budzińska-Wrzesień et al. 2012Budzińska-Wrzesień, E., Wrzesień, R., Jarmuł-Pietraszczyk, J., Świtacz, A. (2012). Therapeutic role of animals in human life – examples of dog and cat assisted therapy. Ecol. Chem. Eng. A. 19 (11), 1375–1381. Google Scholar, Kokocińska 2017Kokocińska, A.M. (2017). Zooterapia z elementami etologii [Animalotherapy with ethology elements]. Impuls, Kraków [in Polish]. Google Scholar]. Aggressive behavior is unacceptable. During the therapeutic dog exam, the animal must demonstrate certain skills acquired during training, e.g., basic obedience commands [Budzińska-Wrzesień et al. 2012Budzińska-Wrzesień, E., Wrzesień, R., Jarmuł-Pietraszczyk, J., Świtacz, A. (2012). Therapeutic role of animals in human life – examples of dog and cat assisted therapy. Ecol. Chem. Eng. A. 19 (11), 1375–1381. Google Scholar]. Proper dog work intensity during AAI is not a threat to an animal welfare (no signs of physiological or behavioral stress were observed) [Palestrini et al. 2017Palestrini, C., Calcaterra, V., Cannas, S., Talamonti, Z., Papotti, F., Buttram, D., Pelizzo, G. (2017). Stress level evaluation in a dog during animal-assisted therapy in pediatric surgery. J. Vet. Behav., 17, 44–49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2016.09.003]. However, King et al. [2011]King, C., Watters, J., Mungre, S. (2011). Effect of a time-out session with working animal-assisted therapy dogs. J. Vet. Behav., 6, 232–238. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2011.01.007 reported stress-associated behavior (such as panting, yawning, lip licking and whining) in dogs just after an AAT sessions.
Feline-assisted therapy (also referred to as cat-assisted therapy or felinotherapy) is still not very popular in Poland, but it is an intensively developing form. It finds application in patients for whom hippotherapy or canine-assisted therapy is unattainable for various reasons (e.g. allergies, fear) [Budzińska-Wrzesień et al. 2012Budzińska-Wrzesień, E., Wrzesień, R., Jarmuł-Pietraszczyk, J., Świtacz, A. (2012). Therapeutic role of animals in human life – examples of dog and cat assisted therapy. Ecol. Chem. Eng. A. 19 (11), 1375–1381. Google Scholar, Goleman et al. 2012Goleman, M., Drozd, L., Karpiński, M., Czyżowski, P. (2012). Felinoterapia jako alternatywna forma terapii z udziałem zwierząt [Cat therapy as an alternative form of animal-assisted Therapy]. Med. Weter., 68(12), 732–735 [in Polish]. Google Scholar, Gardiánová and Hejrová 2015Gardiánová, I., Hejrová, P. (2015). The use of small animals – mammals, birds, fish in zootherapy. Kontakt, 17(3), e171-e176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kontakt.2015.08.008]. Felinotherapy is based on contact with the cat, the possibility of stroking and combing the animal [Budzińska-Wrzesień et al. 2012Budzińska-Wrzesień, E., Wrzesień, R., Jarmuł-Pietraszczyk, J., Świtacz, A. (2012). Therapeutic role of animals in human life – examples of dog and cat assisted therapy. Ecol. Chem. Eng. A. 19 (11), 1375–1381. Google Scholar, Tomaszewska et al. 2017Tomaszewska, K., Bomert, I., Wilkiewicz-Wawro, E. (2017). Feline-assisted therapy: Integrating contact with cats into treatment plans. Pol. Ann. Med., 24(2), 283–286. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.poamed.2016.11.011], playing and feeding the cat [Goleman et al. 2012Goleman, M., Drozd, L., Karpiński, M., Czyżowski, P. (2012). Felinoterapia jako alternatywna forma terapii z udziałem zwierząt [Cat therapy as an alternative form of animal-assisted Therapy]. Med. Weter., 68(12), 732–735 [in Polish]. Google Scholar]. The presence of a cat that needs care in prisons or nursing homes positively influences human well-being, mitigates the feeling of loneliness, reduces stress, and facilitates the establishment of contact [Goleman et al. 2012Goleman, M., Drozd, L., Karpiński, M., Czyżowski, P. (2012). Felinoterapia jako alternatywna forma terapii z udziałem zwierząt [Cat therapy as an alternative form of animal-assisted Therapy]. Med. Weter., 68(12), 732–735 [in Polish]. Google Scholar, Kokocińska 2017Kokocińska, A.M. (2017). Zooterapia z elementami etologii [Animalotherapy with ethology elements]. Impuls, Kraków [in Polish]. Google Scholar].
Selection of the cat is based on the temperament and character of the animal. The cat should have a positive attitude towards human contact, like stroking, combing, and cuddling [Kokocińska 2017Kokocińska, A.M. (2017). Zooterapia z elementami etologii [Animalotherapy with ethology elements]. Impuls, Kraków [in Polish]. Google Scholar]. During training, the cat is taught to walk in a harness [Goleman et al. 2012Goleman, M., Drozd, L., Karpiński, M., Czyżowski, P. (2012). Felinoterapia jako alternatywna forma terapii z udziałem zwierząt [Cat therapy as an alternative form of animal-assisted Therapy]. Med. Weter., 68(12), 732–735 [in Polish]. Google Scholar, Gardiánová and Hejrová 2015Gardiánová, I., Hejrová, P. (2015). The use of small animals – mammals, birds, fish in zootherapy. Kontakt, 17(3), e171-e176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kontakt.2015.08.008]. Aggressive behavior is unacceptable [Goleman et al. 2012Goleman, M., Drozd, L., Karpiński, M., Czyżowski, P. (2012). Felinoterapia jako alternatywna forma terapii z udziałem zwierząt [Cat therapy as an alternative form of animal-assisted Therapy]. Med. Weter., 68(12), 732–735 [in Polish]. Google Scholar]. The main cat breeds dedicated to felinotherapy include Ragdoll, Maine Coon, and Persian cats [Goleman et al. 2012Goleman, M., Drozd, L., Karpiński, M., Czyżowski, P. (2012). Felinoterapia jako alternatywna forma terapii z udziałem zwierząt [Cat therapy as an alternative form of animal-assisted Therapy]. Med. Weter., 68(12), 732–735 [in Polish]. Google Scholar, Kokocińska 2017Kokocińska, A.M. (2017). Zooterapia z elementami etologii [Animalotherapy with ethology elements]. Impuls, Kraków [in Polish]. Google Scholar, Tomaszewska et al. 2017Tomaszewska, K., Bomert, I., Wilkiewicz-Wawro, E. (2017). Feline-assisted therapy: Integrating contact with cats into treatment plans. Pol. Ann. Med., 24(2), 283–286. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.poamed.2016.11.011]. It is recommended that therapeutic cats should be neutered [Tomaszewska et al. 2017Tomaszewska, K., Bomert, I., Wilkiewicz-Wawro, E. (2017). Feline-assisted therapy: Integrating contact with cats into treatment plans. Pol. Ann. Med., 24(2), 283–286. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.poamed.2016.11.011] and should be over 1 year old [Goleman et al. 2012Goleman, M., Drozd, L., Karpiński, M., Czyżowski, P. (2012). Felinoterapia jako alternatywna forma terapii z udziałem zwierząt [Cat therapy as an alternative form of animal-assisted Therapy]. Med. Weter., 68(12), 732–735 [in Polish]. Google Scholar, Tomaszewska et al. 2017Tomaszewska, K., Bomert, I., Wilkiewicz-Wawro, E. (2017). Feline-assisted therapy: Integrating contact with cats into treatment plans. Pol. Ann. Med., 24(2), 283–286. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.poamed.2016.11.011].
Equine-assisted therapy (also referred to as horse-assisted therapy or hippotherapy) can be regarded as a form with the greatest similarity to physical rehabilitation, as it involves contact with the animal and horse riding. Besides canine-assisted therapy, it is the most common form of animal-assisted therapy [Charry-Sánchez et al. 2018Charry-Sánchez, J.D., Pradilla, I., Talero-Gutiérez, C. (2018). Animal-assisted therapy in adults: A systematic review. Compl. Ther. Clin. Pract., 32, 169–180. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2018.06.011]. The Canons of Polish Hippotherapy provide the following definition: Hippotherapy is a targeted therapeutic action intended to improve human physical, emotional, cognitive, and/or social function, with a specially trained horse as an integral part of the therapeutic process. It is delivered by a qualified hippotherapist in accordance with the recommendations specified by the physician referring to hippotherapy and in cooperation with other specialists taking care of the patient [PTHip 2020PTHip (2020). Polskie Towarzystwo Hipoterapeutyczne [The Polish Society of Hippotherapy]. http://pthip.org.pl/, access: 05.02.2020 [in Polish]. Google Scholar]. The Canons of Polish Hippotherapy [2020] and other authors [Kolarczyk et al. 2016Kolarczyk, E.B., Markiewicz-Łoskot, G., Jaromin, J. (2016). Hippotherapy – an effective multi-profile treatment? Ann. Acad. Med. Siles. 70, 177–183. https://doi.org/10.18794/aams/62991, Ciechanowicz and Lubkowska 2018Ciechanowicz, I., Lubkowska, A. (2018). Efekty hipoterapii. Przegląd aktualnych doniesień (2013–2017) [The effects of hippotherapy. Review of current research (2013–2017)]. Pomer. J. Life Sci., 64(3), 143–146 [in Polish]. https://doi.org/10.21164/pomjlifesci.458] specify diseases in which hippotherapy is recommended (e.g. cerebral palsy, mental illness and disorders, posture defects, Down syndrome, psychological syndromes, multiple sclerosis, post-stroke states, craniocerebral trauma, addictions, and social pathologies).
The selection of horses is based on their temperament, reactivity [Anderson et al. 1999Anderson, M.K., Friend, T.H., Evans, J.W., Bushong, D.M. (1999). Behavioral assessment of horses in therapeutic riding programs. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci., 63, 11–24. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0168-1591(98)00237-8], gait type (soft) [Anderson et al. 1999Anderson, M.K., Friend, T.H., Evans, J.W., Bushong, D.M. (1999). Behavioral assessment of horses in therapeutic riding programs. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci., 63, 11–24. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0168-1591(98)00237-8, Łojek et al. 2015Łojek, J., Pluta, M., Cieśla, A., Domachowska, A., Przybyłowicz, N., Łojek, A. (2015). Conformation analysis of horses used in equine-assisted activities at Polish hippotherapeutic centers. Acta Sci. Pol. Zootechnica, 14(2), 121–134. Google Scholar], and anatomy. Calm but not phlegmatic horses with a balanced response to stimuli and not afraid of contact with a strange person are chosen for therapy [Anderson et al. 1999Anderson, M.K., Friend, T.H., Evans, J.W., Bushong, D.M. (1999). Behavioral assessment of horses in therapeutic riding programs. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci., 63, 11–24. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0168-1591(98)00237-8, Sawaryn 2008Sawaryn, D. (2008). Właściwości konia i mechanizm oddziaływania terapeutycznego [Features of a horse and mechanisms of therapeutics effects]. Fizjoterapia, 16(1), 104–111 [in Polish]. https://doi.org/10.2478/v10109-009-0012-0, Pluta 2008Pluta, M. (2008). Hipporehabilitation at the Felin Experimental Farm of the Agricultural University in 2000–2006. Ann. UMCS, Sect. EE Zootech., 26 (2), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.2478/v10083-008-0005-3]. Horses with different types of behavioral problems, e.g. undesirable behavior and behavioral anomalies such as stereotypies [Budzyńska 2014Budzyńska, M. (2014). Stress reactivity and coping in horse adaptation to environment. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 34 (8), 935–941. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2014.05.010], cannot be used in hippotherapy. The optimal height of the horse is approximately 130–155 cm. A horse should not start work before the age of 5 [Sawaryn 2008Sawaryn, D. (2008). Właściwości konia i mechanizm oddziaływania terapeutycznego [Features of a horse and mechanisms of therapeutics effects]. Fizjoterapia, 16(1), 104–111 [in Polish]. https://doi.org/10.2478/v10109-009-0012-0]. In terms of the sex of horses, geldings are used in hippotherapy more frequently than mares [Cieśla 2007Cieśla, A. (2007). The characteristic of horse used in hippotherapy in selected horse therapy centres in Poland. Acta Sci. Pol. Zootechnica, 6(1), 3–14. Google Scholar, Pluta 2008Pluta, M. (2008). Hipporehabilitation at the Felin Experimental Farm of the Agricultural University in 2000–2006. Ann. UMCS, Sect. EE Zootech., 26 (2), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.2478/v10083-008-0005-3, Łojek et al. 2015Łojek, J., Pluta, M., Cieśla, A., Domachowska, A., Przybyłowicz, N., Łojek, A. (2015). Conformation analysis of horses used in equine-assisted activities at Polish hippotherapeutic centers. Acta Sci. Pol. Zootechnica, 14(2), 121–134. Google Scholar]. Many breeds of horses are successfully used in hippotherapy: Hucul, Polish Konik, Felin Pony, Fjord, Wielkopolski Horse, Małopolski Horse, Polish half-bred, and Arabian horse breed [Łojek et al. 2015Łojek, J., Pluta, M., Cieśla, A., Domachowska, A., Przybyłowicz, N., Łojek, A. (2015). Conformation analysis of horses used in equine-assisted activities at Polish hippotherapeutic centers. Acta Sci. Pol. Zootechnica, 14(2), 121–134. Google Scholar].
Donkey-assisted therapy (also referred to as onotherapy) is a form of therapy that involves interactions between patients and donkeys. The donkey population is currently being restored, as they can be used for recreation and onotherapy [Camillo et al. 2018Camillo, F., Rota, A., Biagini, L., Tesi, M., Fanelli, D., Panzani, D. (2018). The Current Situation and Trend of Donkey Industry in Europe. J. Equine Vet. Sci., 65, 44–49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2017.11.008]. PSHO [2020]PSHO (2020). Polskie Stowarzyszenie Hodowców Osłów [Polish Association of Donkey Breeders]. http://psho.pl/, access: 05.02.2020 [in Polish]. Google Scholar defines onotherapy as a supportive donkey-assisted therapy, which uniquely complements other rehabilitation methods. As underlined by Camillo et al. [2018]Camillo, F., Rota, A., Biagini, L., Tesi, M., Fanelli, D., Panzani, D. (2018). The Current Situation and Trend of Donkey Industry in Europe. J. Equine Vet. Sci., 65, 44–49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2017.11.008, donkeys are slower and smaller than horses and have a longer and softer hair coat that is pleasant to touch. Patients that are afraid of horses or dogs choose donkeys. Onotherapy can be part of the rehabilitation of children with mobility impairment [De Rose et al. 2011De Rose, P., Cannas, E., Reinger Cantiello, P. (2011). Donkey-assisted rehabilitation program for children: a pilot study. Ann. Ist. Super. Sanita, 47(4), 391–396. Google Scholar], mental disorders, or autism [Gonzalez-De Cara et al. 2016Gonzalez-De Cara, C.A., Perez-Ecija, A., Aguilera-Aguilera, R., Rodero-Serrano, E., Mendoza, F.J. (2016). Temperament test for donkeys to be used in assisted therapy. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci., 186, 64–71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2016.11.006] and therapy for adults with mental health disorders [Tropia et al. 2017Tropia, E., Alberghina, D., Rizzo, M., Alesci, G., Panzera, M. (2017). Monitoring changes in heart rate and behavioral observations in donkeys during onotherapy sessions: a preliminary study. [In] Proceedings of the 51st Congress of the International Society for Applied Ethology (ISAE), Understanding Animal Behaviour. [Eds.] M.B. Jensen, M.S. Herskin, J. Malmkvist, 7–10 August 2017, Aarhus, Denmark. Wageningen Academic Publishers, Netherlands, 91–91. Google Scholar].
The donkey's temperament [De Rose et al. 2011De Rose, P., Cannas, E., Reinger Cantiello, P. (2011). Donkey-assisted rehabilitation program for children: a pilot study. Ann. Ist. Super. Sanita, 47(4), 391–396. Google Scholar, Gonzalez-De Cara et al. 2016Gonzalez-De Cara, C.A., Perez-Ecija, A., Aguilera-Aguilera, R., Rodero-Serrano, E., Mendoza, F.J. (2016). Temperament test for donkeys to be used in assisted therapy. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci., 186, 64–71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2016.11.006] and size [De Rose et al. 2011De Rose, P., Cannas, E., Reinger Cantiello, P. (2011). Donkey-assisted rehabilitation program for children: a pilot study. Ann. Ist. Super. Sanita, 47(4), 391–396. Google Scholar] are the basis for selection. Gonzalez-De Cara et al. [2016]Gonzalez-De Cara, C.A., Perez-Ecija, A., Aguilera-Aguilera, R., Rodero-Serrano, E., Mendoza, F.J. (2016). Temperament test for donkeys to be used in assisted therapy. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci., 186, 64–71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applanim.2016.11.006 developed tests for the determination of the predisposition of donkeys for use in onotherapy. Donkeys are less sensitive to auditory stimuli than horses. Another advantage is the fact that they are accustomed to being mounted by the human on both sides of the body. Compared to horses, donkeys' reactions are gentler. There are no reports demonstrating the most suitable breed (among 28 donkey breeds) for onotherapy [Camillo et al. 2018Camillo, F., Rota, A., Biagini, L., Tesi, M., Fanelli, D., Panzani, D. (2018). The Current Situation and Trend of Donkey Industry in Europe. J. Equine Vet. Sci., 65, 44–49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2017.11.008]. Although they are anecdotally regarded as “stupid and stubborn”, donkeys are quite trainable animals [González et al. 2019González, F.J.N., Vidal, J.J., Jurado, J.M.L., Mclean, A.K., Bermejo, J.V.D. (2019). Dumb or smart asses? Donkey's (Equus asinus) cognitive capabilities share the heritability and variation patterns of human's (Homo sapiens) cognitive capabilities. J. Vet. Behav., 33, 63–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2019.06.007] willing to cooperate with a competent person [PSHO 2020PSHO (2020). Polskie Stowarzyszenie Hodowców Osłów [Polish Association of Donkey Breeders]. http://psho.pl/, access: 05.02.2020 [in Polish]. Google Scholar].
Due to their appearance, gentle temper, and predisposition for training, alpacas are increasingly being used in animal-assisted therapy [Morales Villavicencio 2010Morales Villavicencio, A. (2010). Chów alpak [Alpacas' husbandry]. Multico Oficyna Wydawnicza, Warszawa, 29–30 [in Polish]. Google Scholar, Kokocińska 2017Kokocińska, A.M. (2017). Zooterapia z elementami etologii [Animalotherapy with ethology elements]. Impuls, Kraków [in Polish]. Google Scholar, Kapustka and Budzyńska 2020Kapustka, J., Budzyńska, M. (2020). Reaktywność behawioralna alpak podczas zabiegów pielęgnacyjnych i szkolenia [Behavioural reactivity of alpacas during care procedures and training]. Med. Weter., 76(2), 107–110 [in Polish]. Google Scholar]. This type of therapy can be defined as a method for enhancement of the effectiveness of personality development, education, and rehabilitation, in which a properly selected and trained alpaca is the motivator and the therapy is delivered by a qualified therapist. These animals with their very strong herd instinct should not work alone. Alpaca-assisted therapy can be successfully applied as a support for the therapy of patients with neurosis, depression, anxiety disorders, and mental diseases and in children with ADHD, autism, or cerebral palsy [Kokocińska 2017Kokocińska, A.M. (2017). Zooterapia z elementami etologii [Animalotherapy with ethology elements]. Impuls, Kraków [in Polish]. Google Scholar]. It can also be applied in patients in hospitals and nursing homes, where the animals positively influence patients' well-being [Morales Villavicencio 2010Morales Villavicencio, A. (2010). Chów alpak [Alpacas' husbandry]. Multico Oficyna Wydawnicza, Warszawa, 29–30 [in Polish]. Google Scholar].
Selection and appropriate preparation are the basis for the proper work of the animal. The best animals are those with a mild temperament [Kokocińska 2017Kokocińska, A.M. (2017). Zooterapia z elementami etologii [Animalotherapy with ethology elements]. Impuls, Kraków [in Polish]. Google Scholar], but they must be adequately prepared. Males are chosen most frequently and preferably neutered [Morales Villavicencio 2010Morales Villavicencio, A. (2010). Chów alpak [Alpacas' husbandry]. Multico Oficyna Wydawnicza, Warszawa, 29–30 [in Polish]. Google Scholar]. Walking on a leash is the basic skill required from the working animal. The possibility to be driven in a car or a livestock trailer is an additional advantage [Kapustka and Budzyńska 2020Kapustka, J., Budzyńska, M. (2020). Reaktywność behawioralna alpak podczas zabiegów pielęgnacyjnych i szkolenia [Behavioural reactivity of alpacas during care procedures and training]. Med. Weter., 76(2), 107–110 [in Polish]. Google Scholar]. It is extremely important to desensitize the animals to tactile stimuli, especially on the hind limbs. To date, there have been no reports on a higher predisposition for alpaca-assisted therapy of any of alpaca breeds (Huacaya or Suri). Unlike horses and donkeys, alpacas cannot be ridden. The therapy with these animals is focused on contact as well as feeding and touching the animal in appropriate intensity. Children and adults are eager to make contact with alpacas, as the animals have unusual and pleasant appearance [Morales Villavicencio 2010Morales Villavicencio, A. (2010). Chów alpak [Alpacas' husbandry]. Multico Oficyna Wydawnicza, Warszawa, 29–30 [in Polish]. Google Scholar], which also helps to focus the child's attention during therapy.
Dolphin-assisted therapy can be defined as a combination of aquatic therapy (water therapy) with animal-assisted therapy (dolphin-assisted therapy). This type of therapy is not available in Poland [Buchnat and Rzepka 2013Buchnat, M., Rzepka, M. (2013). Delfinoterapia w usprawnianiu dzieci z zaburzeniami w rozwoju – dylematy i kontrowersje [Dolphin-assisted therapy as an alternative form of support of child development – dilemmas and controversies]. Interdys. Kont. Pedagog. Spec., 1, 73–85 [in Polish]. https://doi.org/10.14746/ikps.2013.1.04]. Although the dolphin may initially arouse fear [Brensing et al. 2003Brensing, K., Linke, K., Todt, D. (2003). Can dolphins heal by ultrasound? J. Theor. Biol., 225, 99–105. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-5193(03)00225-X], its willingness to play, ease of making contact with man, or smile-like face can turn fear into sympathy [Buchnat and Rzepka 2013Buchnat, M., Rzepka, M. (2013). Delfinoterapia w usprawnianiu dzieci z zaburzeniami w rozwoju – dylematy i kontrowersje [Dolphin-assisted therapy as an alternative form of support of child development – dilemmas and controversies]. Interdys. Kont. Pedagog. Spec., 1, 73–85 [in Polish]. https://doi.org/10.14746/ikps.2013.1.04]. As reported by Chuprikova and Dąbrowska [2016]Chuprikova, E., Dąbrowska, O. (2016). Mikropolaryzacja i delfinoterapia w terapii zaburzeń mowy i komunikacji [Micro-Polarizaton and Dolphin Assisted Therapy as the methods influencing progress in speech and communications]. [in]: Wieloaspektowość komunikacji [eds.] K. Szafrańska, I. Klonowska, E. Małachowska. Pedagogium Wyższa Szkoła Nauk Społecznych, Warszawa [in Polish]. Google Scholar, dolphin-assisted therapy is useful in the treatment of cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Additionally, ultrasound emitted by dolphins might support regeneration of body cells. These theses are based on investigations conducted in the 1990s, which were analyzed in detail by Marino and Lilienfeld [1998]Marino, L., Lilienfeld, S.O. (1998). Dolphin-Assisted Therapy: Flawed Data, Flawed Conclusions. Anthrozoos, 11, 194–200. https://doi.org/10.2752/089279398787000517. These authors discussed a number of shortcomings in the studies on the effectiveness of dolphin-assisted therapy, e.g. absence of a control group or incorrectly selected statistical tests. The authors suggest that, due to the inaccuracy of the analyzed studies, the potential improvement may have been associated with a placebo effect or a novelty effect [Marino and Lilienfeld 1998Marino, L., Lilienfeld, S.O. (1998). Dolphin-Assisted Therapy: Flawed Data, Flawed Conclusions. Anthrozoos, 11, 194–200. https://doi.org/10.2752/089279398787000517]. Similarly, the potential tissue regeneration by ultrasound emitted by dolphins has not been confirmed experimentally [Brensing et al. 2003Brensing, K., Linke, K., Todt, D. (2003). Can dolphins heal by ultrasound? J. Theor. Biol., 225, 99–105. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0022-5193(03)00225-X].
Compared to other forms of animal-assisted therapy, dolphin-assisted therapy raises controversy. Undoubtedly, it can bring positive effects as a supportive method motivating the patient to undertake exercises related to e.g. rehabilitation [Buchnat and Rzepka 2013Buchnat, M., Rzepka, M. (2013). Delfinoterapia w usprawnianiu dzieci z zaburzeniami w rozwoju – dylematy i kontrowersje [Dolphin-assisted therapy as an alternative form of support of child development – dilemmas and controversies]. Interdys. Kont. Pedagog. Spec., 1, 73–85 [in Polish]. https://doi.org/10.14746/ikps.2013.1.04]. Noteworthy, dolphins are one of the non-domesticated mammal species described in this article and the most exotic animals used in the therapy [Brakes and Williamson 2007Brakes, P., Williamson, C. (2007). Dolphin Assisted Therapy. Can you put your faith in DAT? Report for Whale Dolphin Conservation Society. Google Scholar, Williamson 2008Williamson, C. (2008). Dolphin Assisted Therapy: can swimming with dolphins be a suitable treatment? Dev. Med. Child. Neurol., 50, 477. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-8749.2008.00477.x, Gardiánová and Hejrová 2015Gardiánová, I., Hejrová, P. (2015). The use of small animals – mammals, birds, fish in zootherapy. Kontakt, 17(3), e171-e176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kontakt.2015.08.008]. Yet, no matter how perfectly designed, the living conditions provided to these animals will not replace the natural environment. What is more, dolphin-assisted therapy is associated with huge costs (visits to another country, therapeutic activities) [Brakes and Williamson 2007Brakes, P., Williamson, C. (2007). Dolphin Assisted Therapy. Can you put your faith in DAT? Report for Whale Dolphin Conservation Society. Google Scholar], which is another argument for choosing a different form of therapy. The aggressive behavior of dolphins towards people swimming in their company is reported reluctantly [Brakes and Williamson 2007Brakes, P., Williamson, C. (2007). Dolphin Assisted Therapy. Can you put your faith in DAT? Report for Whale Dolphin Conservation Society. Google Scholar]. It can be assumed that such behavior results from chronic stress experienced by dolphins. These facts suggest that dolphins should not be used in AAT.
The animal-assisted therapies also involve other species including small mammals (“pocket pets”), birds, fish [Edwards and Beck 2002Edwards, N.E., Beck, A.M. (2002). Animal-assisted therapy and nutrition in Alzheimer's disease. West. J. Nurs. Res., 24(6), 697–712. https://doi.org/10.1177/019394502320555430, Kršková et al. 2010Kršková, L., Talarovičová, A., Olexová, L. (2010). Guinea pigs – The "small great" therapist for autistic children, or: Do guinea pigs have positive effects on autistic child social behavior? Soc. Anim., 18, 139–151. https://doi.org/10.1163/156853010X491999, Gardiánová and Hejrová 2015Gardiánová, I., Hejrová, P. (2015). The use of small animals – mammals, birds, fish in zootherapy. Kontakt, 17(3), e171-e176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kontakt.2015.08.008, Gut et al. 2018Gut, W., Crump, L., Zinsstag, J., Hattendorf, J., Hediger, K. (2018). The effect of human interaction on guinea pig behavior in animal-assisted therapy. J. Vet. Behav., 25, 56–64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2018.02.004] and farm animals [Berget and Braastad 2011Berget, B., Braastad, B.O. (2011). Animal-assisted therapy with farm animals for persons with psychiatric disorders. Ann. Ist. Super. Sanita, 47(4), 384–390. Google Scholar]. “Pocket pets” such as guinea pigs, hamsters or rabbits can be used in autism therapy as well as their presence can positively affect cooperation and social behavior in ADHD and Asperger’s patients [Kršková et al. 2010Kršková, L., Talarovičová, A., Olexová, L. (2010). Guinea pigs – The "small great" therapist for autistic children, or: Do guinea pigs have positive effects on autistic child social behavior? Soc. Anim., 18, 139–151. https://doi.org/10.1163/156853010X491999, Gardiánová and Hejrová 2015Gardiánová, I., Hejrová, P. (2015). The use of small animals – mammals, birds, fish in zootherapy. Kontakt, 17(3), e171-e176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kontakt.2015.08.008]. Working on and contact with farm animals is used in therapy for people with psychiatric disorders, reducing anxiety and depression symptoms [Berget and Braastad 2011Berget, B., Braastad, B.O. (2011). Animal-assisted therapy with farm animals for persons with psychiatric disorders. Ann. Ist. Super. Sanita, 47(4), 384–390. Google Scholar]. Birds (e.g. canaries, parrots, zebra finches) or aquarium fish (e.g. goldfish) can be quite frequent residents of elderly homes or hospitals and they are also the other alternative to use in animal-assisted therapy [Edwards and Beck 2002Edwards, N.E., Beck, A.M. (2002). Animal-assisted therapy and nutrition in Alzheimer's disease. West. J. Nurs. Res., 24(6), 697–712. https://doi.org/10.1177/019394502320555430, Gardiánová and Hejrová 2015Gardiánová, I., Hejrová, P. (2015). The use of small animals – mammals, birds, fish in zootherapy. Kontakt, 17(3), e171-e176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kontakt.2015.08.008].
Small mammals should be well prepared to work in animal-assisted intervention. Training involves handling by children. Guinea pigs, hamsters, or rabbits cannot be afraid of touching, stroking, or taking on hands [Kršková et al. 2010Kršková, L., Talarovičová, A., Olexová, L. (2010). Guinea pigs – The "small great" therapist for autistic children, or: Do guinea pigs have positive effects on autistic child social behavior? Soc. Anim., 18, 139–151. https://doi.org/10.1163/156853010X491999, Gardiánová and Hejrová 2015Gardiánová, I., Hejrová, P. (2015). The use of small animals – mammals, birds, fish in zootherapy. Kontakt, 17(3), e171-e176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kontakt.2015.08.008, Gut et al. 2018Gut, W., Crump, L., Zinsstag, J., Hattendorf, J., Hediger, K. (2018). The effect of human interaction on guinea pig behavior in animal-assisted therapy. J. Vet. Behav., 25, 56–64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2018.02.004]. Aggressive behaviour like biting or scratching is unacceptable [Gardiánová and Hejrová 2015Gardiánová, I., Hejrová, P. (2015). The use of small animals – mammals, birds, fish in zootherapy. Kontakt, 17(3), e171-e176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kontakt.2015.08.008]. On the other hand, the welfare of animals used in AAT is crucial. Gut et al. [2018]Gut, W., Crump, L., Zinsstag, J., Hattendorf, J., Hediger, K. (2018). The effect of human interaction on guinea pig behavior in animal-assisted therapy. J. Vet. Behav., 25, 56–64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2018.02.004 found that the possibility of retreat during AAT with guinea pigs is instrumental in reducing the animal stress and should be provided during sessions using this species.
The most commonly used birds in animal-assisted interventions are parrots, because of their intelligence, ability to learn, and creating a strong bond with humans. Interaction with parrots provides physical closeness and emotional stimulation [Gardiánová and Hejrová 2015Gardiánová, I., Hejrová, P. (2015). The use of small animals – mammals, birds, fish in zootherapy. Kontakt, 17(3), e171-e176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kontakt.2015.08.008]. The presence of aquarium with fish is usually used for visual stimulation as looking at moving fish can attract attention and increase concentration. Fish observation could be a pleasure for the elderly or lonely people [Edwards and Beck 2002Edwards, N.E., Beck, A.M. (2002). Animal-assisted therapy and nutrition in Alzheimer's disease. West. J. Nurs. Res., 24(6), 697–712. https://doi.org/10.1177/019394502320555430]. Contact with fish has a positive, calming, and relaxing effect on patients in hospitals or nursing homes. Occupational therapy with farm animals (e.g. cattle, sheep, goats, poultry) involves working on a farm, including animals care, feeding as well as box cleaning [Berget and Braastad 2011Berget, B., Braastad, B.O. (2011). Animal-assisted therapy with farm animals for persons with psychiatric disorders. Ann. Ist. Super. Sanita, 47(4), 384–390. Google Scholar].
Palestrini et al. [2017]Palestrini, C., Calcaterra, V., Cannas, S., Talamonti, Z., Papotti, F., Buttram, D., Pelizzo, G. (2017). Stress level evaluation in a dog during animal-assisted therapy in pediatric surgery. J. Vet. Behav., 17, 44–49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2016.09.003 underline that there is a growing number of evidence supporting the benefits of human-animal interactions for humans and only few studies focused on the welfare implications for therapeutic dogs as a result of their participation in AAT. On the other hand, in a review about dog-assisted therapies in psychiatric and cognitive disorders as well as medical interventions, the overall assessment of the all included studies showed minor to moderate effects, and the majority of examined outcome measures indicated no significant effect [Lundqvist et al. 2017Lundqvist, M., Carlsson, P., Sjödahl, R., Theodorsson, E., Levin, L.A. (2017). Patient benefit of dog-assisted interventions in health care: a systematic review. BMC Complem. Altern. M., 17, 358. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-017-1844-7]. Still further reliable investigations on the effects of AATs on both human and animal well-being are needed.
Various forms of animal-assisted therapy are gaining increasing numbers of supporters. Therapeutic animals (e.g. dog, cat, horse, alpaca) are used to improve not only physical but also mental health, cognitive development, and motivation. Various animal species can also promote the development of personality, education, and rehabilitation and improve the quality of life. During the last years, a growing interest has also been observed in the use of other species such as small mammals, birds, fish, and farm animals, however, they are not as widely used as dogs or horses. A properly selected and trained animal is a great support in the therapist work and helps to establish an appropriate human-animal relationship. With the well-being of patients and the welfare of animals in mind, both parties of animal-assisted therapy will benefit.
The study was financially supported by the Department of Animal Ethology and Wildlife Management, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland
Received: 11 May 2020
Accepted: 30 May 2020
Published online: 17 Jul 2020
Accesses: 3448
Kapustka, J., Budzyńska, M., (2020). The use of various animal species for therapeutic purposes in Poland: current perspectives. Acta Sci. Pol. Zootechnica, 19(2), 3–10. DOI: 10.21005/asp.2020.19.2.01.