What is the difference between a visitation program and AAT?
A visitation program occurs when animals accompany their owners to a facility and visit with the patients. The main goal of this type program is socialization. On the other hand, an Animal Assisted Therapy program occurs when animals are used by the therapist in goal directed treatment sessions, as a modality, to facilitate optimal patient outcomes. Regardless of the type of program, all animals should be temperament tested, given a complete veterinary screening and receive obedience training before beginning to work with patients.
