TRIBHUVAN UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE
THAPATHALI CAMPUS, THAPATHALI

SEMINAR AND DIRECTED STUDIES

Submitted by: Submitted to:

Rojin maharjan Dr. Shree Hari Thapa
074/BARCH/532 Ar. Barsha Shrestha
Architecture of Co-existence

ANIMAL-ASSISTED THERAPY
Department of Architecture, Thapathali campus, T.U., Thapathali
[email protected]

ABSTRACT
Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is an alternative or free type of therapy that involves animals
as a form of treatment. The most commonly used types of AAT are canine-assisted therapy
and equine-assisted therapy. The goal of AAT is to improve a patient's social, emotional, or
mental functioning and literature reviews state that animals can be useful for educational
and motivational effectiveness for participants. Studying animal behavior is important to
know for designing a likeable and fearless space for them. The site should be isolated as well
as approachable. It should be able to cover a wide range for animal help to be provided
immediately. Isolation or remote location of site will help the animals to heal at faster pace,
i.e. if closer to nature and away from crowded people.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................... 4
2. ANIMAL-ASSISTED THERAPY ............................................................................................................... 4
2.1 TYPES OF ANIMAL THERAPY ......................................................................................................... 4
2.1.1 Animal-Assisted Activities (AAA) ............................................................................................ 4
2.1.2 Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) .............................................................................................. 4
2.2 ANIMALS COMMONLY USED AS THERAPY ANIMALS.................................................................... 5
2.2.1 Therapy Dogs ......................................................................................................................... 5
2.2.2 Therapy Cats .......................................................................................................................... 5
2.2.3 Therapy Horses ...................................................................................................................... 6
2.2.4 Therapy Rabbits ..................................................................................................................... 6
2.3 BENEFITS OF ANIMAL THERAPIES ................................................................................................. 6
2.3.1 What conditions/disorders do animal-assisted therapy? ...................................................... 7
2.3.2 Can Stray dogs/cats be used as good therapy animals? ........................................................ 7
2.4 ANIMAL PSYCHOLOGY AND ARCHITECTURE................................................................................. 7
3. CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................................................... 8
REFERENCES .......................................................................................................................................... 10

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1. INTRODUCTION
AAT, or animal-assisted therapy, is a sort of complementary or alternative therapy that uses
animals to help people. Dogs & Cats-assisted therapy and Horses-assisted treatment are the
two most often utilized kinds of AAT. Animals can be helpful for educational and motivating
effectiveness for participants, according to research evaluations, and AAT aims to enhance a
patient's social, emotional, or cognitive functioning. (Fine, 2010)

2. ANIMAL-ASSISTED THERAPY
Also known as Pet therapy, is a guided interaction between a person and a trained animal.
Therapy animals are most commonly seen in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and disaster
areas, and are classified as one of three types: therapeutic visitation animals, animal-
assisted therapy animals, and facility therapy animals. (Education, n.d.)

AAT, or animal-assisted therapy, is occasionally used to treat social anxiety disorder (SAD).
Animals may be especially helpful for SAD sufferers since they provide nonjudgmental
support and an opportunity to experience social connection. The most common therapy
animals that come to mind are dogs and horses, but even more unusual creatures can be
used in therapy.

You may enhance social skills, boost self-confidence, and lessen anxiety symptoms with the
aid of animals. The use of animals in therapy gives patients the chance to show and receive
affection. Children and teens who are having trouble making friends within their family or
classmates may find this to be very beneficial. Animals in therapy may help to reduce
depression and isolation. Among children, they may help in social expression.

2.1 TYPES OF ANIMAL THERAPY

2.1.1 Animal-Assisted Activities (AAA)
It provides opportunities for motivational, educational, recreational, and/or therapeutic
benefits to enhance the quality of life. AAA is delivered in a variety of environments by
specially trained professionals, paraprofessionals, and/or volunteers, in association with
animals that meet specific criteria. Animal-assisted activities are casual "meet and greet"
activities that involve pets visiting people. (Animals, 2022)

2.1.2 Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT)

It is a goal-directed intervention in which an animal that meets specific criteria is an integral
part of the treatment process. AAT is directed and/or delivered by a health/human service
professional with specialized expertise, and within the scope of practice of his/her
profession. AAT is designed to promote improvement in human physical, social, emotional,
and/ or cognitive functioning cognitive functioning refers to thinking and intellectual skills.

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AAT is provided in a variety of settings and may be group or individual in nature. (Animals,
2022)

2.2 ANIMALS COMMONLY USED AS THERAPY ANIMALS

Fig: Therapy animals

2.2.1 Therapy Dogs

Most individuals have undoubtedly at some point in their lives encountered a therapy dog.
Hospitals, nursing homes, schools, detention facilities, and other public areas where you
would be shocked to see a dog strolling about frequently have therapy dogs. Dogs are the
traditional human friend, so it makes sense that people would appreciate their company.
According to studies, dogs may help humans de-stress and unwind, and therapy dogs are
living proof of this. Although larger breeds like Labrador and Golden Retrievers are
frequently associated with therapeutic work, other breeds can also make effective therapy
pets.

2.2.2 Therapy Cats

Many cats make excellent therapy animals, albeit it may not be as apparent a choice as dogs
or horses. Like dogs, cats are simple to introduce into indoor settings like nursing homes and
hospitals to help anyone who might be missing their pets feel better. Many therapy cats are
trained to walk on a leash and maybe a very calming presence for young students, senior

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citizens in nursing homes, and other scenarios. They are also a fantastic alternative for folks
who might be dog-phobic as an indoor therapy animal.

2.2.3 Therapy Horses

Despite being considerably bigger than dogs, horses are wonderful therapy animals. Unless
it's a small horse, you won't see a horse wandering through a school, although therapy
horses are frequently used in equine-assisted therapy procedures. Therapy horses are
wonderful companion animals that promote mental wellbeing. The therapeutic benefits of
grooming horses are frequently emphasized, and it has been demonstrated that the human
emotions that horses replicate are particularly helpful for humans dealing with a wide range
of psychiatric problems. In addition to helping individuals learn how to deal with their
emotions, horses may also teach them how to create trust and have a strong work ethic.

2.2.4 Therapy Rabbits

A rabbit is an excellent therapy animal since it is tiny and quiet, and sometimes this is
exactly what is required. Since a phobia of rabbits is not particularly frequent, it is a great
choice for those who may be afraid of both dogs and cats since it is simple to carry, does not
meow, and does not bark. A therapy rabbit must be composed, well-adjusted, and
comfortable being handled and patted by humans.

2.3 BENEFITS OF ANIMAL THERAPIES

Animals are accepting, non-threatening and non-judgmental, making it easier for people to
open up. Some of the benefits of animal-assisted therapy include:

• Improves fine motor skills and balance

• Increases focus and attention
• Increases trust, empathy, and teamwork
• Greater self-control
• Enhances problem-solving skills
• Improves social skills
• Reduces anxiety, grief, and isolation
• Increases self-esteem and ability to care for oneself
• Reduces blood pressure, depression, and risk of heart attack or stroke
Because many children, teens, and adults enjoy working with animals, animal-assisted
therapy can be particularly beneficial for individuals who are resistant to treatment or have
difficulty accessing their emotions or expressing themselves in talk therapy. (Therapy, n.d.)

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2.3.1 What conditions/disorders do animal-assisted therapy?

People with a variety of conditions can benefit from animal-assisted therapy, including:

• Autism spectrum disorders

• Addiction
• Cancer
• Heart disease
• Dementia
• Developmental disorders
• Psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia
• Emotional and behavioral disorders
• Chronic pain (Therapy, n.d.)

2.3.2 Can Stray dogs/cats be used as good therapy animals?

All dogs and cats must meet international requirements, only then they are ready to start
their new lives as therapy animals. Example: Four paws (An Animal therapy Center) have for
some time trained former stray dogs and cats in Romania to work with disabled children and
the elderly through its ‘Dogs & Cats for the People program. (Baraghin, 2022)
The study was conducted among 391 people and concluded that 83% of the tested people
found improvement in their mental state after animal therapies. (Baraghin, 2022)

2.4 ANIMAL PSYCHOLOGY AND ARCHITECTURE

To help people construct homes and structures for a better occupation, architectural
psychology is a significant interdisciplinary discipline that bridges traditional psychology,
engineering, architecture, domestic planning, and much more. One may further take a more
occupant-centered approach to plan, which will lead to more creative architectural
solutions, by learning more about how animals experience the built form. Animal
architecture is a type of animal expression that represents the collective or individual
designer's mind. (Giraldeau, 2005)
Building shape, positive and negative space, color, transparency, open space, lighting,
acoustics, sound, construction, green approaches, and landscape are some of the primary
structural design elements that have an impact on animal psychology. Rescued animals
spend the majority of their time in constructed environments; therefore a lot of their spatial
thinking is influenced by the architecture and urban design of their surroundings. Therefore,
having a clear understanding of our surroundings is important for stress-free life and work.
(Giraldeau, 2005)
Animal psychology and emotions may be significantly influenced by architecture and design.
Buildings with effective patterns or those that create a sense of security have a good
psychological effect and produce neurochemicals that make people feel good. Poorly

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maintained buildings cause them to become anxious and afraid, which is bad for their health
and activates the sympathetic nervous system. (Giraldeau, 2005)

3. CONCLUSION
The spatial and behavioral requirements of the animal must be met for a housing system for
animal production to be effective. To do this, it's crucial to comprehend how an animal
behaves when going through daily motions like drinking, eating, lying down, getting up, and
walking. Instead of allowing an animal to walk freely, confinement alters the animal's
behavior, which has an impact on its comfort and health. By reducing stress for both the
animal and the keepers via the use of well-designed facilities and an understanding of
animal psychology, health, comfort, and production may be improved. Stress lowers one's
capability for productivity, weight growth, and illness resistance. Hence, to guarantee the
animals' physical and mental well-being, facilities must be suitable for the species, the
projected number of animals, and the anticipated period.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
My profound gratitude goes to my supervisor and special thanks to our subject teachers Dr.
Shree Hari Thapa and Ar. Barsha Shrestha for their valuable guidance and knowledge
throughout the entire study. it gives me great joy to acknowledge the family, friends, and
other individuals who directly or indirectly supported this research and made it possible for
this study. It is also worth mentioning that it was through the encouragement of my friends
and family.
My utmost thanks go to the teachers who showered me with the primary directions and
continuously supported me through their valuable inputs. I would like to thank all for their
valuable ideas that have been very helpful.

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REFERENCES
Animals, 3. P. (2022, June 16). The spruce pets. Retrieved from thesprucepets.com.

Baraghin, B. (2022, January 18). FOUR PAWS International. Retrieved from www.four-paws.org:
https://www.four-paws.org/campaigns-topics/topics/help-for-stray-animals/animal-
assisted-intervention/

Education, P. T. (n.d.). Healthline. Retrieved from Healthline.com.

Fine, A. H. (2010). Handbook on Animal-Assisted Therapy. In A. H. Fine, Animal Assisted Therapy (p.
548). California: Academic Press.

Giraldeau, J. J.-A. (2005). The Study of Animal Behavior. The Study of Animal Behavior, 10.

Hausberger, M. G. (2011). Human-animal relationships: from daily life to animal-assisted therapies.

In M. G. Hausberger, animal-assisted interventions in mental health (p. 408). rennes, bohars,
france : Ann ist super sanita.

People for the ethical treatment of animals. (1980, march 22). Peta. Retrieved from Peta.org:
https://www.peta.org/features/animal-shelters/

Therapy, A. A. (n.d.). Kingswood Shetlands and Friends. Retrieved from kingswoodshetlands.org:

https://kingswoodshetlands.org/animal-assisted-therapy/

UNCAHP. (AUGUST 23RD 2018). UN CONVENTION ON Animal Health and Protection. Zurich,
Switzerland: Global Animal Law GAL Association.

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