Animal-assisted therapy (AAI) is a complementary treatment modality with roots back to ancient Greece. It involves a patient, a highly trained animal, either a therapist, an experienced handler, or a volunteer, and a specific therapeutic outcome. The umbrella term AAI (known colloquially as “pet therapy”) includes both Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) and Animal-Assisted Activities (AAAs). AAAs in contrast to AAT are usually spontaneous, often involve the patient’s own pet and do not include specific treatment goals. This Fast Fact will highlight the value and clarify the details of AAT in the care of patients with serious illness.
Link: Fast Facts #519 (09/2025)
