Experience the power of connection and comfort through animal-assisted therapy.
At WHR Allied Health, we believe in the incredible therapeutic potential of the human-animal bond. Our Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) program combines professional allied health care with the calming, engaging presence of trained therapy animals—offering a unique and effective approach to support emotional, cognitive, and physical wellbeing.
Animal-assisted therapy can be particularly beneficial for children, individuals with autism or anxiety, and those recovering from trauma or social isolation. Whether it’s encouraging communication, reducing stress, or simply bringing joy to a session, our therapy animals help create a warm and supportive environment where clients feel safe and motivated to engage.
What is Animal Assisted Therapy?
Animal Assisted Therapy at WHR Allied Health
Benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy
Differences between a Therapy Dog and Assistance Dogs:
Animal assisted therapy (AAT) is a structured and goal orientated intervention that involves the deliberate incorporation of a trained and assessed therapy animal into pre-existing, evidence-based therapy modalities such as occupational therapy (International Association of Human Animal Interaction Organisations, 2015).
AAT utilises the amazing human-animal bond which is the mutually beneficial and positive relationship between people and animals. This helps to enhance an individual’s engagement and experience of therapy sessions to increase skill development and therapeutic outcomes including:
- Social skills and body language
- Healthy relationships/friendships and consent
- Sensory and emotional regulation
- Interoception and neuroception
- Fine and gross motor skills
- Anxiety/trauma related difficulties
- Empathy and self-confidence/self esteem