Animal Assisted Interventions in the Treatment of Addictions & Mental Health

Animal Assisted Interventions (AAIs) are increasingly being offered in the primary health care field in Canada, including in addictions and mental health, and range from therapy dogs in counseling sessions to non-riding therapeutic programmes with horses. However, there is little awareness and sharing amongst programmes and limited documented evidence about AAI effectiveness. What appears common amongst AAIs though, is recognition of the benefits of the human-animal bond. In this presentation, Dr. Colleen Dell describes the basics of canine specific AAIs. She will highlight AAI outcomes focusing on the human-animal bond found in her extensive practice and research programme within addictions and mental health.