Includes bibliographical references and index.

History of animal-assisted therapy -- Programs for children -- Programs for the elderly -- Programs in prisons -- Controversies -- Ethical issues and questions about therapy effectiveness.

The use of animals for therapy is a burgeoning form of treatment for individuals with physical, emotional, or psychological illnesses. It offers a historical overview of the practice, detailing its growth, efficacy, and the many ways it is practiced today. It contains illustrative examples such as successful programs where children with reading problems read aloud to canine companions, and illuminates the nature and effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy. In examining those programs the work explores how the practice is applied both generally and among special populations, incuding children, the elderly, autustic individuals, and the incarcerated. The book also provides specific information of interest to pet owners who want to get involved in these programs and includes information on U.S. government requirements allowing guide dogs in public and private facilities.