Welcome to
PRESCRIBED PETS AAT
A DIFFERENT BREED OF THERAPIST
WHAT WE DO
We are dynamic Volunteer 2 legged partner & Dog teams who have undergone extensive training and certifications to work closely with therapists, clinicians, counselors, law enforcement agencies and caregivers in order to enhance the mental and physical well being of the community through goal oriented Animal Assisted Therapy sessions.
VETERANS
We work in conjunction with the local Veterans Services to create dog led activities that achieve numerous goals in bettering the quality of life of the veterans who have served us and their families
SCHOOLS
Our children have many different opportunities to incorporate the animal human bond, through educational or active participation. We assist educators & counselors as they guide the emotional as well as environmental stability for learning.
CARE FACILITIES
Adapting the therapy goal outcomes to include many fun and meaningful activities that result in not only physical and mental health improvements, but done with the loving compassion of a dog.
REHABILITATION
Treatment plans that include dog activities achieve multiple goals in one modality allowing the person to accomplish physical healing alongside a joyful interaction.
WHAT IS AAT?
Animal Assisted Therapy sessions
Volunteer Dog/Handler teams
Working alongside professionals
Animal-assisted therapy is a therapeutic approach that integrates animals, such as dogs, into the treatment process. In this collaborative effort, the client, therapist, and animal engage in therapeutic activities that part of a structured treatment plan, complete with specific goals for change, measurable objectives, and anticipated progress. The form of therapy can vary based on the individual, the animal's abilities and the treatment objectives.
Our Animal Assisted Therapy includes regular sessions with highly trained animals and their handlers aimed at helping individuals manage both physical and mental health challenges. Caregivers such as therapists, counselors, social workers and doctors may recommend this therapy for various conditions, tailoring goals to each individual’s needs. We facilitate pairing clients with a dog-handler team that aligns with their specific goals and settings. Animal Assisted Therapy is designed to enhance and support the benefits of traditional therapeutic methods in a given treatment plan. When combined with a volunteer Animal Handler team, the possibilities for incorporating different animals based on their unique capabilities are virtually limitless, as each animal distinct strengths -skillsets, that may suit individual clients differently.
Benefits of Animal Assisted Therapy
Animal Assisted Therapy focuses the bond between humans and animals. These animals can provide calmness, comfort, and a sense of safety, helping distract from stressful situations or painful rehabilitation while fostering enjoyment. They can also help alleviate loneliness and enhance social support through interaction and unconditional affection, leading to physical activity. Through the evolving bond with an animal, individuals can experience numerous benefits, including:
- Improved self-worth
- Enhanced trust
- Stabilized emotions
- Better communication skills
- Increased self-regulation
- Enhanced social skills
- Reduced physical limitations
How We Can Collaborate
Therapists, counselors, clinicians, and first responders can reach out to Prescribed AAT, to start an Animal Assisted Therapy program in their facility, implementing our trained therapy animals and their handlers to individuals or small groups. We work collaboratively to match clients with a dog "therapist" that possesses the necessary skills to achieve the pre-established goals. Together, we embark on a journey to recovery, where the magic unfolds.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Residential Therapist
“Prescribed Pets has been instrumental in the growth and healing of vulnerable youth. As a Mental Health Therapist, I have worked alongside Prescribed Pets for an entire year, and during our time, their support in individual and family therapy was invaluable, particularly with some of my most guarded and treatment resistant clients.
Notably, I observed meaningful behavioral changes: youth began to grow in confidence, show increased tolerance to stress and new situations, and demonstrate greater care for themselves and others. Individuals who once held rigid beliefs and perspectives started to engage in more flexible thinking. Importantly, the youth expressed the time and activities with Prescribed Pets were beneficial and brought them much needed joy during a hard time in their lives.
These changes were made possible through the presence of well-trained dogs, who served as both emotional support and a bridge for us to have difficult conversations. The animals provided a unique, nonjudgmental presence that helped open doors that traditional therapy alone could not. The handlers are professional, caring and dedicated to serving vulnerable populations.
Prescribed Pets has truly been a game changer in my therapeutic work. I highly recommend this service.”
Certified Therapeutic Recreational Specialist
I have witnessed firsthand on many occasions how PPAAT has positively impacted our Veterans. The Veterans PPAAT has worked with have a wide variety of diagnoses, ranging from Huntington’s Disease to cerebral vascular accidents to end of life care. These individuals experience homesickness while being hospitalized for months on end. This often includes missing a pet at home. PPAAT not only brings joy to our Veterans through great dogs, but beneficial activities as well. The team trainers and dogs have performed activities targeted toward improving memory, motor deficits, speech, direction following, hand-eye coordination, and of course, improving mood.
William Johnson, a Veteran himself, has shown his immense care towards the individuals he works with. His work is not rushed and he truly takes the time to bond with our Veterans. He has provided excellent care and support to those he works with. Specifically, one patient our VA had with Huntington’s Disease. William and Zelda worked side-by-side multiple times weekly for years until his passing. William and Zelda showed up to provide love and support to this Veteran as he was actively passing away and it meant the world to him. This Veteran always was asking when he would see Zelda next. It kept him going and I truly believe the therapy he received with PPAAT extended his life by showing him his abilities and giving him something to look forward to.
Recreational Therapist
Prescribed Pets has been crucial for the growth and healing of our Veterans at the Boise VA. As a Recreational Therapist, I have worked alongside Prescribed Pets for almost two years now and during our time, their support in individual and group therapy has been invaluable for helping our rehab patients meet therapeutic goals and our hospice patients maintain their quality of life.
I have observed meaningful and positive behavioral changes in our veterans after a session with Prescribed Pets. While in the hospital veterans do not get to participate in their normal routines or leisure interests which can affect their mood negatively. During and after Prescribed Pets sessions, patients are always smiling, more confident and energetic. Prescribed Pets also works closely with our patients to reach therapeutic goals aligned with their treatment plans. Veterans can increase their strength, endurance, mobility, and range of motion through carefully tailored exercises with the dogs.
These changes were made possible through the presence of well-trained dogs who make Recreational Therapy sessions more beneficial and engaging for our veterans. The animals provided a unique, nonjudgmental presence that help open doors for Recreational Therapy that human interaction alone could not. The handlers are professional, caring and dedicated to serving vulnerable populations.
Prescribed Pets has truly been a life changing experience for our veterans. I highly recommend this service.