Great vocation for ANIMAL LOVERS

With growing awareness of the benefits of animal-assisted therapy as an alternative to traditional medical curatives, there is rising demand for qualified AAT practitioners

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Although human beings have shared unique bonds with domesticated animals for over 10,000 years, only recently have healthcare professionals become aware that animal companions have a therapeutic effect on the human psyche and can help homo sapiens develop self-worth, trust and emotional stability.

Recently, San Francisco International airport added a five-year-old piglet named LiLou to its 'wag brigade' to ease anxiety among stressed-out flyers. Even staffers and senators on Capitol Hill, Washington D.C. often cuddle trained therapy canines. Research studies conducted by Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore (USA) suggest that domesticated animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits and horses stimulate 'happy' hormones — serotonins and endorphins — infusing joy and energy in individuals undergoing animal assisted therapy.

Against this backdrop of growing awareness of the benefits of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) and animal assisted interventions (AAI) as alternatives to traditional medical curatives, there is rising demand for qualified AAT practitioners in education institutions, hospitals, airports, old age homes, prisons, mental health centres, academia and research.