Benefits and Risks of Animal-assisted Interventions in Pediatric Health Care: A Mini Review

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a form of therapeutic approach aimed at faster achievement of therapeutic goals, through the use of certain animals. It is generally used as an adjunct or alternative therapy in people receiving other treatments for their health conditions. In recent decades, significant number of studies, to evaluate the effect of AAT on physical, psychological, social, and academic well-being of pediatric population have been completed, and most of these studies have proved AAT to be beneficial. This study aims to review the literature on AAT for children and to obtain a clearer understanding of the evidence supporting this interventional practice, and the possible risks involved.