An animal therapist’s responsibilities vary greatly depending on the type of work he or she chooses to do and any specializations he or she pursues. A behavioral therapist who works with animals frequently assists in the training of animals, usually domesticated pets or entertainment animals, to behave in specific ways. An animal therapist’s responsibilities also include assisting animals with physical therapy, which is similar to how a physical therapist assists humans. Animal-assisted therapy can be used some therapists who specialize in working with people to assist humans in overcoming various difficulties or conditions.
An animal therapist is a person who works professionally with animals in a therapeutic capacity, though the nature of this work can vary significantly. Animal behavioral therapists work with a variety of animals to understand why they behave the way they do and then help them change or correct their negative behavior. This work frequently involves the therapist observing an animal’s behavior in order to understand how it is behaving and interpreting that behavior based on prior knowledge of animal behavior. The owner is usually assisted an animal therapist who specializes in behavior issues in training the animal to behave in a more appropriate or acceptable manner.
Physical therapy can also be performed an animal therapist in some cases. This type of work is frequently done after an animal has been injured or has undergone surgery, similar to what human physical therapists do. This type of animal therapist can then assist the animal in learning to walk or run again, or in adjusting to injuries that have severely limited the animal’s mobility. Observing animal behavior and determining how an animal may be reacting to physical changes is common in this line of work.
Animal-assisted therapy for people can be used some therapists who work with humans. When using animals, this therapy usually follows a set of routines and therapy strategies. Someone who is struggling to cope with depression, for example, may be feeling lonely and isolated as a result of a disability or other condition. In some cases, introducing a pet into a person’s life can help alleviate these feelings. In most cases, the therapist collaborates with an animal trainer to select the best animal to assist the person in therapy.