Animal Angels Foundation has a team of trained therapy dogs who work with therapist and medical processionals on providing Animal Assisted Therapy in different settings. We provide AAT programs for special school and hospitals where the therapy is structured and goal oriented according to the requirement of the setting.

Special schools
We first experimented with applying Animal Therapy for children with Mental Retardation at Jidda School, Thane. Since then, with the aim of applying this therapy is various areas of mental health for children, we have implemented Animal Assisted Therapy in special schools for children with emotional, physical and developmental disabilities . We have worked with children with autism, hyperactivity, downs Syndrome, mental retardation, hearing and speech impairment, physical disabilities etc. These programs are goal oriented and designed specifically for the school/institute to meet their requirements. We also document the findings of pre and post therapy for each of our therapy programs. The therapy dogs that are assigned for the program become a part of the school/institute’s culture .

For children with special needs, the ability to interact with a dog, cat, or other furry friend can have a very positive impact upon their quality of life. Interacting with a pet can sometimes enhance recovery following a serious illness. It can change behavior, create a sense of responsibility and even improve a child’s ability to participate in therapeutic treatment leading to achievement in relation to identified goals and objectives. Children are often extremely trusting and easily achieve a level of intimacy with animals. This special bond contributes to pets’ effectiveness as co-therapists.

Hospitals
Animal Angels Foundation has been a pioneer in introducing Animal Assisted Therapy in Hospitals in India. The stereotype concept of ‘NO Dog Allowed in the Hospital Premises’ has been changed by Animal Angels into a more respectful and welcoming attitude towards our therapy dogs. When therapy dogs visit hospitalized patients, they don’t just spread happiness and joy, but help in improving the patient’s Quality of Life.

Patients who are hospitalize for a long time, those who are recovering from trauma or any operation, those who need to work on their physical and motor skills, children suffering from Cancer, severe burns etc. are the ones who benefit from a therapy dog’s visit. Children are the once who benefit most from therapy dogs visit and it takes away the monotony of the hospital environment.