Animal-Assisted Therapy

In Brief Animal-assisted therapy has gained widespread support in a variety of health care settings, including critical care units. This article seeks to review some of the current animal-assisted therapy, define a structured program, and evaluate the potential ability of the therapy to enhance the progress and health of our patients. This article reviews the current animal-assisted therapy evidence-based practice literature, outlines a safe and structured program, and evaluates the programs' ability to enhance critically ill patients' health.