The term for the use of animals to assist people in therapy is called what?

The term for the use of animals to assist people in therapy is called what?

• A. Companion animal
• B. Livestock
• C. Animal therapy
• D. Exotic animal

Answer: (C)

Using animals to help people in therapy is called animal therapy. This often goes by animal-assisted therapy, where a trained therapy animal and handler work with a professional to help clients reach specific goals—like reducing anxiety, improving mood, or enhancing social or physical skills. Settings include hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and mental health clinics. The other terms describe the animals themselves or their roles as pets (companion animal), farm animals (livestock), or non-native pets (exotic animal), not the therapeutic process.

Using animals to help people in therapy is called animal therapy. This often goes by animal-assisted therapy, where a trained therapy animal and handler work with a professional to help clients reach specific goals—like reducing anxiety, improving mood, or enhancing social or physical skills. Settings include hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and mental health clinics. The other terms describe the animals themselves or their roles as pets (companion animal), farm animals (livestock), or non-native pets (exotic animal), not the therapeutic process.