Renew Animal Assisted Therapy & Counselling Services

02/04/2026

I often get asked when I am out with Max or Archie when they are working as therapy dogs if people can pat them. The answer is YES!

This information is really helpful to understand the different support dog roles.

Do You Know the Difference?

Understanding the roles of animals in human support is essential—especially when it comes to public access rights under the law.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

🔹 Assistance Animals
These animals are individually trained to alleviate the effects of a person’s disability.

✅ Public Access: Legally permitted in most public places under disability legislation.

🔹 Therapy Animals
Work alongside health professionals to support the wellbeing of others (OTs counsellors, speech therapists, psychologists).

⚠️ Public Access: Not automatically permitted—access is by invitation or organisational approval only.

🔹 Visitation Animals
Work alongside a person who may hold a variety of qualifications to visit or engage with people in various settings (e.g. in hospitals, schools, aged care).

⚠️ Public Access: Not automatically permitted—access is by invitation or organisational approval only.

🔹 Companion Animals (Pets)
Provide comfort, companionship, and emotional support to their owners.

🚫 Public Access: No special legal access rights beyond standard pet-friendly locations.

Clear distinctions help protect:

✔️ The rights of individuals with disabilities
✔️ The welfare and suitability of animals
✔️ The integrity of animal-assisted services

29/03/2026

If you are curious why working with horses might be what you are looking for this may interest you.

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/

03/03/2026

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

25/02/2026

New research highlights the healing potential of equine-assisted services for children’s mental health

A recent peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of Social Work Practice explores how equine-assisted services can support children experiencing trauma, anxiety and emotional challenges.

Key insights from the research:

Children often feel safer and more connected in natural, horse-inclusive environments than in traditional clinical settings.

Horses’ sensitivity to human emotion can support trust-building and emotional regulation.

Practitioners observed increased openness, communication and readiness for therapeutic engagement.

Children demonstrated improvements in confidence, resilience, and sense of self.

Importantly, the research also highlights the need for:

Strong ethical frameworks and professional standards such as the ATL Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct

Sustainable funding pathways are important which is why ATL works hard at raising funds for our Mental Health Outreach and Pathways Program

Continued high-quality research to strengthen the evidence base

At Animal Therapies Ltd, we advocate for evidence-informed, ethical, and accessible animal-assisted services across Australia.

When delivered by appropriately qualified and insured practitioners, equine-assisted services can form a meaningful part of holistic mental health support. You can read more here:

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02650533.2025.2495741?fbclid=IwZnRzaAQBoixleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeF9-wVnfVJor_w4tMiukYndHf0MnrRZoNoPXdIp3jxBhgeiCRNA_iUhWMutA_aem_YRA63jIFyhNt7DRBB79elw

11/01/2026

At Animal Therapies Ltd, we often hear animal-assisted therapy described as an alternative therapy. It’s time to correct that misconception.

Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is a clinical modality, not an alternative treatment.

When delivered appropriately, AAT is provided by registered health professionals — such as psychologists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, counsellors and other health practitioners — who integrate an animal into their therapeutic practice within their professional scope, regulatory standards, and ethical frameworks.

The animal is not the therapist.
The animal is not the treatment.

The animal is a therapeutic support, intentionally and carefully incorporated by a qualified clinician to support evidence-informed goals such as:
• emotional regulation
• trauma recovery
• engagement and motivation
• functional skill development
• therapeutic rapport and safety

Like other recognised modalities, animal-assisted therapy:
✔ is goal-directed
✔ is professionally accountable
✔ requires clinical reasoning and risk management
✔ must meet both human and animal welfare standards

When we understand animal-assisted therapy as a modality, we protect clients, practitioners, animals — and the integrity of the work itself.

02/11/2025

Fiona Phillips MP please help animal assisted therapy be a part of the NDIS legislation.

28/10/2025

We are very excited and proud of our newest addition to our herd who successfully completed his accreditation as a Therapy Dog over the weekend. Archie, you have grown into an amazing little man and have big shoes to fill as Maxi begins his journey into blissful retirement!!! Thank you to Therapy Dogs NSW

15/10/2025

Go Archie!!! So proud of you little man. Proudly representing Animal Therapies Ltd in Canberra

15/10/2025

Having a wonderful day proudly representing Animal Therapies Ltd at the AIEC Conference in Canberra. Max has just finished his visit and excited to see how our new therapy dog Archie will go!

21/04/2025

Max, our lovely therapy dog, relaxing in his favourite garden spot.

07/04/2025

24/01/2025

🌟 Proud moment alert! 🌟

One of our amazing clients showcased her growing confidence and anxiety management skills at the local Eurobodalla Ag Show with our sweet little Emerald.

Through her equine therapy journey, she’s built resilience, trust, and belief in herself – and it all came together beautifully in the ring. The result? Second place! 🎉

This is what equine therapy is all about – empowering growth, connection, and achievement. So proud of these two girls! 💚🐴