|Four Paws NC Animal Assisted Therapy
Animal-Assisted Therapy Team Visits and COVID-19 Concerns
Four Paws has always had a strong commitment to the safety of our animal-assisted therapy teams. As the situation with COVID-19 continues to evolve, we will follow the state guidelines for when services will be provided again.
- SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19, is a predominantly human virus. There is currently no evidence that animals are transmitting the virus. However, until more information is available, it is prudent to assume that there is some potential for animals to carry the virus on their hair coat.
- Social distancing combined with good hand hygiene is the best practice for slowing the spread of the virus.
We support all teams and our partner facilities who are choosing to suspend volunteer activity right now as a way to limit risk. Animal-assisted therapy visits will be resumed when it is appropriate to do so. We are working to determine standards of practice when providing services considering this virus.
What is Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT)?
Animal-Assisted Therapy is the interaction of people and domesticated pets in a positive way when a person shares the love and companionship of their pet with someone who is not able to have a pet in their situation.
Animal Assisted Intervention is comprised of two types of visitations: a therapeutic visit, in which a specific goal(s) is established within a treatment plan, which is moderated by a medical professional; or an activity visitation in which the pets sole purpose is to interact with the person to enhance their quality of life.
Animal Assisted Therapy, also known as pet therapy, is a person and their domesticated pet (in this case, dogs), that have successfully completed a certain level of training and assessment to deliver pet mediated services within their community.
At this time, we are assuming group classes may resume during the second phase of the state reopening.
Wilmington area classes: Enrollment