Animal Assisted Therapy has been documented to reduce stress levels and improve patients’ mood, decrease pain and discomfort, lessen feelings of isolation and alienation, and motivate patients to participate more fully in their treatment. PAWS Of CNY’s certified therapy dogs provide two types of pet therapy at several Central New York area hospitals and mental health care facilities.
Animal Assisted Therapy
Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) uses specially trained and temperament-tested animals in cooperation with a health care professional to assist in the healing or rehabilitation of the body, mind or spirit of an individual. Animal Assisted Therapy is goal-directed with a specific expected outcome and is a documented source of medical and/or emotional treatment that can be utilized in a variety of settings. PAWS of CNY Inc.’s therapy volunteers visit patients at hospitals and psychiatric and rehabilitation centers across Central New York.
Animal Assisted Activities
Animal Assisted Activities (AAA) focuses on the use of specially trained and temperament-tested animals as part of a social activity program, purely for the pleasure of those receiving the visits. Wagging tails, cold wet noses, and affectionate nudges bring smiles and laughter to both hospitalized adults and children giving them a respite from the stress of hospitalization.
See photos below of our hospital therapy dogs in action.
