Animal Therapy
Gentle, evidence-informed support—with animals who help people feel safe, seen, and steady.
What is Animal-Assisted Therapy? (AAT)
Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a structured, goal-oriented therapeutic approach where a trained professional incorporates an animal into sessions to support emotional, behavioral, and social well-being. At Scatter Joy Acres, our animals are part of a calm, supportive environment designed to help clients build skills, confidence, and connection.
AAT can support goals like:
Emotional regulation and stress reduction
Building coping skills and resilience
Social skills and communication
Confidence and self-esteem
Mindfulness and present-moment awareness
Motivation and engagement in therapy
When a client gets unconditional love from an animal they give better responses during therapy.
Having a warm, furry animal to stroke and hug is therapeutic to clients who are not comfortable being touched by people.
Watching a pet jump around and play can be relaxing and fun for even people who don’t like animals.
Receiving unconditional love and affection from an animal can teach clients especially children to develop nurturing skills, which they may not have been able to learn from people.
For seniors, the benefits of a furry companion can be life-changing. Walking a dog is great cardiovascular exercise, but just the simple act of caring for a pet-petting, brushing, feeding-provides both mild activity and a means to stay engaged with the world.
We Work With Special Needs in Our Community
If you or a loved one have one or more of the following diagnoses, you may benefit from AAT:
- ADD/ADHD
- Autism/Asperger’s Syndrome
- Substance Abuse
- Attachment Issues
- Trauma/Loss Situations /Grief
- Low Self-Esteem
- Anxiety disorders
- Behavioral/Emotional Concerns
- Depression/Bi-Polar Disorder/Anxiety
- Abuse/Trauma/Pain (Physical, Emotional and/or Mental)
- Social and Relationship Issues
- Eating Disorders
- PTSD
Who We Serve
We welcome clients across ages and life stages, and tailor sessions to individual needs.
AAT may be a great fit for:
Children and teens navigating anxiety, big feelings, or transitions
Adults managing stress, burnout, grief, or trauma recovery
Families looking to strengthen connection and communication
Individuals who feel “stuck” in traditional talk therapy settings
Not sure if AAT is right for you? We’re happy to help you decide.
What a Session Looks Like
Every session is guided by a therapeutic plan—not “just spending time with animals” (though that can be part of it!).
Depending on your goals, sessions may include:
Grounding and breathing exercises with an animal nearby
Guided interactions (grooming, feeding, walking, gentle observation)
Skills practice (boundaries, communication, emotional naming)
Reflection and processing with your therapist
Nature-based activities when appropriate
Session options (customize as needed):
Individual sessions
Family sessions
Small group sessions
Short-term focus series (e.g., 6–8 weeks)
Our Animals & Safety
Our animals are selected and supported for calm, predictable temperament and are handled with care and respect. We use clear guidelines to ensure safety and comfort for clients and animals.
Safety and comfort practices include:
Client orientation before animal interaction
Clear consent and boundaries (for people and animals)
Hygiene and allergy-aware procedures
Continuous supervision by trained staff
Animal rest breaks and workload limits
If you have allergies, fears, sensory concerns, or mobility needs, we can often adapt the session plan—just let us know.
Why It Works
Animals can help people feel more at ease, which can make it easier to access therapeutic skills. Many clients report that AAT helps them feel calmer, more present, and more willing to engage—especially when therapy feels intimidating.
In sessions, animals can support:
Nervous system calming through co-regulation
Increased engagement and motivation
Practicing boundaries and attunement
Building trust and connection in a low-pressure way
Getting Started
Step 1: Reach out. Tell us what you’re hoping for.
Step 2: Quick intake. We’ll gather background and discuss fit.
Step 3: Match & schedule. We’ll recommend the best session type and animal environment for your goals.
Ready to begin Animal-Assisted Therapy?
Request a Session
FAQ
Is Animal-Assisted Therapy the same as a “therapy animal visit”?
Not exactly. AAT is goal-oriented and guided by a trained professional as part of a therapeutic plan.
Do I have to touch the animals?
No. Participation is always your choice. Some clients prefer observation or proximity only.
What if I’m nervous around animals?
That’s common. We can start slowly, use distance-based activities, or explore other options.
What ages do you work with?
All Ages
Do you accept insurance / what are rates?