All About Animals Animal-Assisted Therapy

05/04/2026

Look at this wee friend joining our little Tinbeerwah menagerie later this year! Thus is the beautiful image his lovely human Mum sent me over the weekend!

02/04/2026

Cheeky Charlie the goat and his donkey friends Jack and Jasper wishing you a fabulous Easter weekend!

29/03/2026

Who doesn’t love cute goat photos to start the working week?! This is Mum, Holly (branch munching). And daughter Honey checking out the camera! They are very sweet girls who came from the wonderful Happily Heifer After sanctuary some time ago now to join our little menagerie. They love a little hand feeding - branches of course but also banana peels! rescue

29/03/2026

Horses have a unique ability to connect with people in ways that can support emotional, social, and physical wellbeing.

In animal-assisted services, horses alongside animal-assisted practitioners help individuals develop confidence, regulate emotions, improve communication, and build trust. Their sensitivity to human behaviour provides immediate, honest feedback—creating powerful opportunities for growth, healing, and self-awareness.

Whether supporting mental health, trauma recovery, skills or personal development, equine-assisted approaches offer a meaningful, evidence-informed pathway to positive outcomes.

Interested in learning more about the science behind this work? Join our virtual forum session in May to hear from Dr Janet Jones, who will explore how horses think, learn, and interact with humans. You can register to attend here:
https://animaltherapies.vfairs.com/

29/03/2026

28/03/2026

Photoshoot with Zoe to end our working week

26/03/2026

A significant win for disability rights and assistance animals in NSW

In NSWCATDAD: GRD v INA Operations, the Tribunal reinforced an important principle — policies must adapt to people, not the other way around.

A resident in a land lease community faced termination due to a “no pets” policy. However, her dog was an assistance animal, and the Tribunal found:

▪️ The respondent failed to make reasonable adjustments
▪️ There was a direct link between her disability and the termination notice
▪️ This amounted to discrimination under the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW)

Outcome:
✔️ $25,000 awarded for pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life
✔️ Notice to Terminate withdrawn
✔️ Permanent injunction preventing further action against her or her assistance animal

This case highlights a crucial message:
Assistance animals are not “pets” — they are essential supports, and the law protects that.

24/03/2026

Animal-assisted services continue to evolve, and emerging research from 2024–2025 highlights exciting opportunities to expand beyond the traditional therapy animals many people know.

While dogs and horses remain central to many programs, evidence now suggests that a wider range of species can also support therapeutic outcomes.

Examples of animals being incorporated into animal-assisted services include:

• Rabbits• Guinea pigs• Farm animals such as cows, goats, pigs and sheep• Alpacas and donkeys• Birds• Fish• Reptiles

Each species can offer unique benefits and engagement opportunities.

Smaller animals like rabbits and guinea pigs can be well suited to classroom or counselling environments.

Farm animals can support nature-based or care-farm programs, while fish and birds can provide calming observational interactions in clinical or community settings.

As the field grows, successful programs consistently focus on several critical factors:

✔️ Animal welfare first – ensuring the physical and emotional wellbeing of every animal involved.

✔️ Appropriate species selection – matching the animal’s temperament, handling willingness and environment to the goals of the program.

✔️ Qualified handlers and facilitators – trained professionals who understand both the therapeutic objectives and the needs of the animals.

✔️ Clear program design – structured activities that support defined therapeutic, educational or wellbeing outcomes.

✔️ Risk management and safety – protecting participants, animals and organisations through appropriate policies and training.

Expanding the range of species found in animal-assisted services opens new possibilities for accessible, creative and meaningful programs across schools, care farms and community settings.

The key is ensuring that every interaction remains ethical, safe and beneficial for both people and animals.

18/03/2026

New Research Highlight: Animal-Assisted Therapy in Health & Disability

Emerging research continues to highlight the potential benefits of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) in clinical and healthcare settings.

A recent 2026 review examining animal-assisted therapy across health, disability and hospital environments found evidence that AAT may help reduce anxiety among people living with illness, disability or hospitalisation.

The study also explored how animal-assisted therapy is being implemented in clinical environments, helping to build a clearer understanding of how these services can be integrated into healthcare and support settings.

As research in this field grows, animal-assisted therapy continues to show promise as a supportive approach to improving wellbeing and emotional outcomes for diverse populations.

Read the research:
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/14/2/260

05/03/2026

New Research Highlights the Power of Animal-Assisted Therapy

A recent study has reinforced what we see every day at ATL — animal-assisted therapies can have a meaningful, positive impact on autistic children’s development.

The research highlights improvements in:

- Social skills and communication
- Anxiety reduction and emotional regulation
- Emotional wellbeing
- Engagement and motivation

Animal-assisted therapy provides a safe, supportive environment where children can build confidence, connection, and regulation skills — often in ways that feel more natural and less clinical.

At ATL, we are committed to improving the accessibility to evidence-informed, compassionate therapy that supports children and families to thrive.

You can learn more here:

https://apcz.umk.pl/QS/article/view/68630?fbclid=IwZnRzaAQEaldleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeVsr5DU3rCGJAm1KMBUKd6tvP5AjjjaSj7hsS-eUTKa8x-zwhH2xqBUYrRgo_aem_bATlqKerJQVoKBrh5v8mnQ

05/03/2026

New Research Alert!
We’re excited to share a groundbreaking study on animal-assisted services in farm settings that highlights how integrating global perspectives, social work, ecological approaches, and animal welfare can support animal, human, and environmental wellbeing together.

This open-access research emphasizes:

A holistic model combining One Health principles and UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Integration of the Five Domains of Animal Welfare into intervention design.

Aims to improve wellbeing for humans and animals alike through thoughtful farm-based interactions.

Calls for future outcome-based studies that look at measurable benefits across all participants in these settings. 

Read more: https://doi.org/10.1079/hai.2024.0026

At ATL, we champion research that keeps ethical care and mutual respect for animals and people at the heart of therapy and community programs.

05/03/2026

Human-animal interaction (HAI) and nature-based activities are essential pieces of the comprehensive therapeutic programming for students with special needs ...