Animal Assisted Therapies involve animals in treatment to the betterment of mental health.

Whilst some regard these interventions as new innovations, the use of animals in support of the sick and wounded is well documented in history. Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, utilised dogs in her approach to healing patients in the 1860s.

At SALTIE, assessed and trained dogs are used to promote recovery. Therapy dogs are used in consultation and agreement with clients whose goals align with this. The dogs are particularly useful in our work in the outdoors; walking a dog whilst talking with a practitioner might be a good option for you if you find sitting still indoors challenging. 

Dogs can assist in a number of contexts. Including a dog in your therapy is voluntary; consider whether this experience appeals to you and discuss with your practitioner how a dog might enhance your treatment.

Therapy dogs are used in our work beyond the clinic with people experiencing complex mental health conditions, behavioural challenges, and disability.

Get in touch with us if you’d like to know more about how therapy dogs could help you or the person you are supporting.