Other Animal Assisted Animals

There are other types of animal assisted therapy that have been found effective as well.

Donkeys are sometimes used as well, in programs that are very similar to equine programs. The gentle nature of donkeys, and their smaller stature, makes them less intimidating for children who may be easily scared by a horse .

The LLama

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Llamas make excellent therapy animals because they are intuitive and curious with new people and surroundings. They brighten the day with visits to nursing homes, retirement homes and hospitals. They make everyone smile. They seem to sense the needs of others and are giving and gentle animals.

Residents and patients have their picture taken with the llamas, who by their very own nature make people more comfortable. Their faces light up and they have a very positive impact, remembering the experience for weeks. Some doctors have recommended them for working with the handicapped or mentally challenged children and adults. Patients that have not spoken for months will become quite verbal and they can bring out the personality of the shyest person.

Llamas are very social animals, easy to train. They can be house broken, negotiate rooms, hallways, stairs, elevators, various floor surfaces, and are happy travelling in a van.

Cats  

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Some programs work very well in assisted living and nursing homes. Because cats are calmer, older people are often more comfortable with them than with dogs. Cats are also able to get physically closer to a patient (sitting in her lap, for example) than most dogs, and the closeness can provide added comfort and ease feelings of loneliness in older patients.Is proven that the grunge produced by cats produces therapeutic results such as relaxation, reduces stress and others . 

Ponies and Mini horses

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Other small animals are often used as well; rabbits,

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Birds

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Hamsters

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Pigs

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Reptiles

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Even fish.      

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The smaller animals are great for older patients, or in group homes and other residential settings. The presence of an animal can make a clinical setting feel more like home, and help patients relax.

Many more animals are used with the goal of Animal Assisted therapy  .