If you’re considering hiring an animal-assisted therapist for a specific project in your facility or for a family member, here are the aspects you should consider when working with an animal-assisted therapist.
Your Expectations and Goals
First, you need to determine if you’re looking for an animation activity (zoo-animation) or animal-assisted therapy sessions, also known as animal-assisted therapy. Here are the differences between them.
Animal-Assisted Therapy: Series of individual sessions, multidisciplinary team participation, selection and use of an animal aligned with the objective, report writing, and follow-up.
Zoo-Animation: One-time meeting, group or individual, animal choice not based on the objective, possibility of several animals on site, no report writing or follow-up.
Once your need is identified and you desire animal-assisted therapy sessions, you will need to provide the therapist with the main objective and a brief overview of the candidate. This objective may aim at improving or maintaining physical, psychological, or even relational abilities.
Choosing an Animal-Assisted Therapist
The profession is now more regulated than it once was. Clients can now ensure they are meeting a certified animal-assisted therapist by verifying their membership with the Corporation des Zoothérapeutes du Québec (CZQ). This information assures them that the therapist has the necessary training and insurance to practice their profession. Many clients do not ask for this information, yet it is a priority for patient safety.
Choosing an Animal
When people seek an animal-assisted therapist, they often have already identified animals they find beautiful, friendly, or that suit their personal tastes. However, it is the animal-assisted therapist who chooses the animal most appropriate for the objective. It is rare for them to use several animals at once or to change animals continuously throughout the sessions. It is important to find the animal that will help the individual progress towards their goal by offering a special relationship.
Cost
The session fee is regulated by the CZQ and is similar to that of many other professionals. For several years now, many insurers even reimburse the costs incurred for animal-assisted therapy sessions. This new development now allows many families to benefit from this service.
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