IDD Pet Therapy

By Allie Benegar

Pet therapy has been known to help people with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) in many different ways. These programs are known to help people's mental and physical state. There are three types of therapies that are the most common for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities: service animals, animal-assisted therapy, and animal-assisted activities. Each of these have unique ways of helping people with disabilities.

Service Animals 

Service animals are a very common resource for those with disabilities. These animals are, “individually trained to perform specific task(s) to assist in the activities of normal living” (AVMA). They make the life of their owner easier by doing things for them that they may 

struggle to do for themselves. What is unique about service animals is that they are able to go out into all public spaces with their owner to assist them at all times. The rights of service animals are protected, since they are, “recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act, Fair Housing Act, and Air Carrier Access Act” (AVMA). Service animals help their owner emotionally, as they provide support. They also help with the treatment of their owner, helping them improve their physical state. 

Animal-Assisted Therapy 

Animal-assisted therapy programs, while similar, are very different from service animals. During these therapy sessions animals are used to help accomplish goals that are made for the patient. They follow a schedule that is set for them to gradually reach the goals that are set for them. These, “goals for animal-assisted therapy can range from improving motor skills and independent movement to increasing self esteem, promoting verbal communication and developing social skills” (AbleLight). The time spent with these animals helps the overall

emotional and mental state of the individual. Animal-assisted therapy also has been known to lessen pain and strengthen mobility for those who struggle physically. 

Some of the less conventional forms of animal-assisted therapy used horses or dolphins. Horse therapy utilizes, “a horse’s movement to guide the rider’s body in a way that’s similar to human walking. The goal is for the rider to react to the horse’s movement, which can improve both neurological and physical functions” (Uds Foundation). The therapeutic horseback riding, “focuses on building a bond between horse and rider. Participants learn specific riding skills with focused rehabilitative purposes, improving their physical and emotional health” (Uds Foundation). Then through the therapy led interactions with the dolphins individuals have been known to improve their emotional state and mobility. The, “dolphin-assisted therapy is shown to benefit speech, motion, and some mental elements, like attention span” (Uds Foundation). These less conventional forms of animal-assisted therapy provide interesting ways for reaching goals for individuals with IDD. 

Animal-Assisted Activities 

These animal-assisted activities are not used to aid in treatment of an individual or to reach specific goals. Instead the animals provide emotional support for the person that they are helping. Animal-assisted activities can help the patient in many ways, but the progress is not tracked as it would be for animal-assisted therapy. 

Works Cited 

“Can Pet Therapy Help People with Developmental Disabilities?”. AbleLight. August 21, 2020. https://ablelight.org/blog/pet-therapy-for-people-with-disabilities/.

“Service, emotional support, and therapy animals”. American Veterinary Medical Assosiation. https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/service-emotional-support-and-therapy-animals. “A Guide to Pet & Animal Therapy for Kids with Disabilities”. Uds Foundation. July 28, 2020. https://udservices.org/animal-assisted-therapy-children/.