All about zootherapy
3 April 2024
Zoo therapy is individual or group therapy involving the participation of animals, with specific criteria for care and a therapist who has undergone corresponding training and qualifications to conduct therapeutic processes tailored to each beneficiary.
For zoo therapy, commonly, animals such as dogs, cats, dolphins, and other domestic and non-domestic animals are used.
Who can benefit from zoo therapy?
Animal-assisted therapy is frequently used with patients who have neurological or other types of disorders or conditions, such as: autism, cerebral palsy, schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), multiple sclerosis, developmental and psychological disorders, and more.
The methods of zoo therapy include:
Riding therapy (Equine-assisted therapy)
Canine therapy (Dog-assisted therapy)
Dolphin therapy (Dolphin-assisted therapy)
Riding therapy
It's a form of physical, occupational, and psychological therapy where the therapist utilizes horse-assisted movements to facilitate specific motor and sensory experiences for the patient.
The goal of therapy is to improve neurological functions and sensory processes that may generalize to various daily activities. Riding therapy (also known as hippotherapy) takes place at the human's pace, as it mimics similar human steps.
Who benefits from riding therapy?
Equine-assisted therapy can be used across diverse populations, with patients of all ages, for individual and group therapy purposes.
Canine therapy (also known as dog therapy) is a therapeutic process involving one or several dogs that have undergone appropriate training.
Dogs create a therapeutic atmosphere, assisting clients in relaxation, comfort, and increased participation in the process, motivating them to engage more and be more motivated.
Who benefits from canine therapy?
Studies have shown that therapy with dogs is more comfortable for clients, aids in emotional and psychological improvement, and helps them to be more involved in the process.
The main advantages of canine therapy include:
Reduction of stress and anxiety
Improvement in social skills
Enhanced verbal communication
Learning emotional and psychological control
Easier adaptation to routine changes
Better interpersonal relationships and social interaction
Enhanced concentration and focus
Comfort during autism-related discomfort in unfamiliar environments
Stimulation of sensory integration and concentration
Improvement of self-esteem
Improvement of motor skills
Assistance in weight control and physical exercise
Stress relief.
Dolphin therapy (also known as caninotherapy) is a therapeutic process in which one or more dogs participate, having undergone relevant preparation.
Dogs alter the therapeutic atmosphere, helping clients to relax, encouraging participation, and motivating them to be more involved in the process.
Who benefits from dolphin therapy?
Dolphin therapy is often used in psychotherapy, neurological, and psychological disorders.
It is recommended that when a family undergoes significant changes and a child cannot adjust to the new environment, the family should introduce a domestic animal to relieve the stress and adaptation to the new environment.
Dolphin therapy is a therapeutic process that involves one or more dolphins that have been trained to assist in the process.
The main advantages of dolphin therapy include:
Reduction of stress and anxiety
Improvement in social skills
Enhanced verbal communication
Learning emotional and psychological control
Easier adaptation to routine changes
Better interpersonal relationships and social interaction
Enhanced concentration and focus
Comfort during autism-related discomfort in unfamiliar environments
Stimulation of sensory integration and concentration
Improvement of self-esteem
Improvement of motor skills
Assistance in weight control and physical exercise
Stress relief.