Resident and therapist views of animal‐assisted therapy: Implications for occupational therapy practice

Abstract

Animal‐assisted therapy is offered in a wide variety of settings. The literature contains few studies investigating animal‐assisted therapy from an occupational therapy perspective. More information is needed to describe the use of animals as a therapeutic modality in occupational therapy. Three qualitative case studies were analysed to describe the perceptions of clients and therapists regarding animal‐assisted therapy. This analysis was synthesised with an extensive literature review to produce a perspective of animal‐assisted therapy for occupational therapy. Animal‐assisted therapy could be a beneficial modality for occupational therapy. The Lifestyle Performance Model provides a useful framework for analysis and interpretation of the positive outcomes of animal‐assisted therapy in an occupational therapy context.