1. Animal Assisted Therapy 4-H Veterinary Science Extension Veterinary Medicine Texas AgriLife Extension Service College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences Texas A&M System http://aevm.tamu.edu

2. Objectives Describe the various ways that animals assist handicapped persons Discuss the importance of animals in therapy for elderly persons Discuss the importance of animals for the mental health of people Describe animal assisted therapy programs

3. Human-animal bond is important

4. Benefits of Pets Benefit owners by: Physically Psychologically Socially Self-esteem Self-confidence Teaching responsibility

5. Health benefits Relieves anxiety Promotes well-being Decreases loneliness Physical wellness Psychological wellness Therapeutic

6. Animals and the Disabled Aid the disabled

7. Sight Hearing Retrieving objects “Humanize” people Daily activities Eating, drinking, etc Confidence Physical exercise

8. Cats Hearing impaired Dogs Wheelchair bound Monkeys Quadriplegic

9. Animals and the Elderly Provide companionship Relieves sadness and loneliness