The Human Animal Bond: Applications for Rehabilitation Professionals

Abstract

The human-animal bond is a poweiful tool that may be overlooked by rehabilitation professionals in providing services to their clients. While the primary focus of rehabilitation counselors is meeting the vocational goals of the client, secondary factors related to the disability often hinder the ability of consumers to meet those goals. Research has demonstrated that animals can have positive influences on the medical, social, behavioral and psychological well-being of individuals including those with disabilities. Animals can be used as a therapeutic modality or as an adaptive intervention to help facilitate positive rehabilitation outcomes. The use of animals may be a cost effective intervention that can lessen the impact of a disability.