Animal Assisted Intervention (AAI) is goal oriented and structured intervention that includes or incorporates animals in health, education, and human services for the purpose of therapeutic gains in humans. Human-animal teams are incorporated in human services such as:

• Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a goal oriented, planned, and structured therapeutic intervention directed and/or delivered by health, education, or human service professionals.

• Animal Assisted Education (AAE) is a goal oriented, planned, and structured intervention directed and/or delivered by educational and related service professionals.

• Animal Assisted Activity (AAA) is a planned and goal oriented informal interaction and visitation conducted by the human-animal team for motivational, educational, and recreational purposes. Our program falls under this category.

• Animal Assisted Coaching/Counseling (AAC) is a goal oriented, planned, and structured animal assisted intervention directed and/or delivered by professionals licensed as coaches or counselors.

This information was provided by the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations. 

For more information on definitions and guidelines on animal assisted intervention, please visit IAHAIO.

Among the many benefits of animal assisted intervention are:

• Decreased anxiety and loneliness.

• Boosted self-esteem and self-worth.

• Lowered blood pressure and improved cardiovascular health.

• Improved perception of counseling services.

• Participation in social interaction and engagement.

A novel and pleasant diversion! 

Visitation guidelines are posted at the event space to help guide you on the interaction. Please be courteous of fellow participants by taking turns to avoid crowding. Ask for guidance if you are unsure of how to approach.

The visitation area is sanitized and the program rug is vacuumed after every visit. Housekeeping vacuums the entire library floor daily, in addition to other upkeep tasks. 

Yes, they are regulated, tested, and registered through the organizations with which they volunteer. Our current team is registered with Pet Partners, comes with comprehensive liability insurance, and meets the health standards for boarding at the CVM.

Paws for a Break is open to anyone in the CVM community - no reservation necessary!