- What is Animal Assisted Therapy? -

 Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is one form of Interventions with Assistance Of Animals (IAA):
Setting:

Interventions with assistance of animals, in short  ‘IAA’ , is an umbrella expression for :

‘Therapy with assistance of animals’ (AAT) in the course of which therapeutic goals are guarded and aimed for in order to improve the fysical, psychological of social wellbeing of the clients.

‘Activities with the assistance of animals’ (AAA) in the course of which activities are organised without a specific goal.  

‘Learning with the assistance of animals’ (LAA) in the course of which educative goals are described and evaluated. F.I. Educative activities in school that point out the responsibilities children have for their pets. (Ethologia, 2007). (Samuels et al., 2006). 
The work of 't Keerhof is set in the first category : Therapeutic work with the assistance of animals.

This is:

• a goal directed intervention in the goals of which an animal - that meets certain criteria - is integrated in a therapeutic guidance proces.

• is given by a therapist who is trained for his task in the scope of his/her work and experience in the wellfaresector.

• is designed for treatment and for support of treatments for people with fysical,cognitive, psychological and psycho-social special needs.

• where selected and tested animals function as catalysts and/or as a therapeutic medium in coöperation with the therapist who works with the animal.

In all situations :
• The relation man-animal has to be mutual beneficial.

• The animals that work in AAT programs are partners, so they are not "used" as tools, toys or gadgets.