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Animal-Assisted Therapy

Restoring Hope and Freedom

Animal-assisted therapy dogs bring more than wet noses and floppy ears to rehabilitation. They help kids and teens reach their therapy goals using real-world tasks.

Smiling teenage girl in a wheelchair embraces a therapy golden retriever wearing an orange vest near a decorated Christmas tree
Animal-Assisted therapy at Mary Free Bed Kids

Pediatric Animal-Assisted Therapy at Mary Free Bed Kids

Children heal, learn and grow differently than adults. They explore the world through movement, curiosity, imagination and emotional connection. At Mary Free Bed Kids, we understand how to tailor therapy to a child’s unique emotional and developmental needs. The Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) Program blends evidence-based rehabilitation with the joy of interacting with specially trained therapy dogs. This unique program enhances movement, boosts confidence, reduces anxiety and helps children stay engaged during therapy in ways that feel natural, supportive and fun.

AAT goes beyond visiting with a dog—it’s a structured therapeutic approach that incorporates trained animals into pediatric rehabilitation sessions. Designed for patients 18 and younger, our program supports a wide range of goals, including:

  • Improving mobility and stamina.
  • Improving coordination and fine-motor skills.
  • Strengthening communication and emotional regulation.

For many children, a therapy dog becomes a motivating partner who turns challenging work into joyful progress.

Why Animal-Assisted Therapy Matters

Children process their environment through sensory input, play and relationships. When therapy feels intimidating or overwhelming, engagement decreases, slowing progress. By integrating a therapy dog into a child’s rehabilitation plan:

Comfort and confidence increase

Dogs provide non-judgmental companionship, easing fear, anxiety during separation from caregivers. When children feel safe, they’re more willing to try new tasks.

Therapy becomes more meaningful

When a child is asked to stand, walk, reach, or speak for the dog, the task becomes more meaningful. Instead of focusing on difficulty or discomfort, children focus on playing and connecting.

Motivation skyrockets

Many children will walk farther to brush a dog. They’ll also annunciate to give a command, or complete fine-motor tasks to reward their furry partner with a treat.

Children learn how to self-regulate

AAT boosts social engagement and self-esteem while reducing stress. The calming presence of a dog can help children who struggle with sensory processing, anxiety, trauma histories or difficulty self-regulating in busy environments.

Animal-Assisted therapy at Mary Free Bed Kids

How Our Program Works

At Mary Free Bed Kids, AAT is intentionally structured as part of a child’s overall rehabilitation plan. Therapy dogs work under the supervision of recreational therapists, who collaborate with physical, occupational and speech therapists to integrate the dog’s skills into treatment goals.

Highly Trained Therapy Dogs

Our dogs undergo rigorous training and certification. They learn how to respond calmly to mobility devices, encourage movement, cue posture and participate in communication-based tasks.

Integrated Treatment Sessions

AAT may be incorporated into physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, recreational therapy or psychology. Each activity is tied to a clinical goal to maximize meaningful progress.

How Our Program Works

At Mary Free Bed Kids, AAT is intentionally structured as part of a child’s overall rehabilitation plan. Therapy dogs work under the supervision of recreational therapists, who collaborate with physical, occupational and speech therapists to integrate the dog’s skills into treatment goals.

Highly Trained Therapy Dogs

Our dogs undergo rigorous training and certification. They learn how to respond calmly to mobility devices, encourage movement, cue posture and participate in communication-based tasks.

Integrated Treatment Sessions

AAT may be incorporated into physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, recreational therapy or psychology. Each activity is tied to a clinical goal to maximize meaningful progress.
Animal-Assisted therapy at Mary Free Bed Kids

How Our Program Works

At Mary Free Bed Kids, AAT is intentionally structured as part of a child’s overall rehabilitation plan. Therapy dogs work under the supervision of recreational therapists, who collaborate with physical, occupational and speech therapists to integrate the dog’s skills into treatment goals.

Highly Trained Therapy Dogs

Our dogs undergo rigorous training and certification. They learn how to respond calmly to mobility devices, encourage movement, cue posture and participate in communication-based tasks.

Integrated Treatment Sessions

AAT may be incorporated into physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, recreational therapy or psychology. Each activity is tied to a clinical goal to maximize meaningful progress.

How Our Program Works

At Mary Free Bed Kids, AAT is intentionally structured as part of a child’s overall rehabilitation plan. Therapy dogs work under the supervision of recreational therapists, who collaborate with physical, occupational and speech therapists to integrate the dog’s skills into treatment goals.

Highly Trained Therapy Dogs

Our dogs undergo rigorous training and certification. They learn how to respond calmly to mobility devices, encourage movement, cue posture and participate in communication-based tasks.

Integrated Treatment Sessions

AAT may be incorporated into physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, recreational therapy or psychology. Each activity is tied to a clinical goal to maximize meaningful progress.
Animal-Assisted therapy at Mary Free Bed Kids

How Our Program Works

At Mary Free Bed Kids, AAT is intentionally structured as part of a child’s overall rehabilitation plan. Therapy dogs work under the supervision of recreational therapists, who collaborate with physical, occupational and speech therapists to integrate the dog’s skills into treatment goals.

Highly Trained Therapy Dogs

Our dogs undergo rigorous training and certification. They learn how to respond calmly to mobility devices, encourage movement, cue posture and participate in communication-based tasks.

Integrated Treatment Sessions

AAT may be incorporated into physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, recreational therapy or psychology. Each activity is tied to a clinical goal to maximize meaningful progress.

How Our Program Works

At Mary Free Bed Kids, AAT is intentionally structured as part of a child’s overall rehabilitation plan. Therapy dogs work under the supervision of recreational therapists, who collaborate with physical, occupational and speech therapists to integrate the dog’s skills into treatment goals.

Highly Trained Therapy Dogs

Our dogs undergo rigorous training and certification. They learn how to respond calmly to mobility devices, encourage movement, cue posture and participate in communication-based tasks.

Integrated Treatment Sessions

AAT may be incorporated into physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, recreational therapy or psychology. Each activity is tied to a clinical goal to maximize meaningful progress.
Animal-Assisted therapy at Mary Free Bed Kids

How Our Program Works

At Mary Free Bed Kids, AAT is intentionally structured as part of a child’s overall rehabilitation plan. Therapy dogs work under the supervision of recreational therapists, who collaborate with physical, occupational and speech therapists to integrate the dog’s skills into treatment goals.

Highly Trained Therapy Dogs

Our dogs undergo rigorous training and certification. They learn how to respond calmly to mobility devices, encourage movement, cue posture and participate in communication-based tasks.

Integrated Treatment Sessions

AAT may be incorporated into physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, recreational therapy or psychology. Each activity is tied to a clinical goal to maximize meaningful progress.
Mary Free Bed Kids patient shown with animal assisted therapy dog laying on their lap.

What AAT Sessions Look Like

All sessions vary based on a child’s goals.

Physical therapy with an AAT dog includes:
  • Walking the dog using an adaptive leash
  • Stepping over obstacles as the dog models movement
  • Throwing a ball to strengthen range of motion
  • Practicing transfers to “get closer” to the dog
  • Balancing while brushing or petting the dog
Occupational therapy with an AAT dog includes:
  • Fine-motor tasks like clipping leashes or opening treat bags
  • Bilateral coordination activities
  • Sensory exposure through interactive play
  • Strengthening upper-body muscles through play
Speech therapy with an AAT dog includes:
  • Practicing expressive language by asking the dog to sit or shake
  • Articulation work through dog-themed tasks
  • Learning how to take turns and communicate in social settings
For children struggling with regulation, anxiety or trauma, therapy dogs provide a safe, comforting presence.

What AAT Sessions Look Like

All sessions vary based on a child’s goals.

Physical therapy with an AAT dog includes:
  • Walking the dog using an adaptive leash
  • Stepping over obstacles as the dog models movement
  • Throwing a ball to strengthen range of motion
  • Practicing transfers to “get closer” to the dog
  • Balancing while brushing or petting the dog
Occupational therapy with an AAT dog includes:
  • Fine-motor tasks like clipping leashes or opening treat bags
  • Bilateral coordination activities
  • Sensory exposure through interactive play
  • Strengthening upper-body muscles through play
Speech therapy with an AAT dog includes:
  • Practicing expressive language by asking the dog to sit or shake
  • Articulation work through dog-themed tasks
  • Learning how to take turns and communicate in social settings
For children struggling with regulation, anxiety or trauma, therapy dogs provide a safe, comforting presence.
Mary Free Bed Kids patient shown with animal assisted therapy dog laying on their lap.

What AAT Sessions Look Like

All sessions vary based on a child’s goals.

Physical therapy with an AAT dog includes:
  • Walking the dog using an adaptive leash
  • Stepping over obstacles as the dog models movement
  • Throwing a ball to strengthen range of motion
  • Practicing transfers to “get closer” to the dog
  • Balancing while brushing or petting the dog
Occupational therapy with an AAT dog includes:
  • Fine-motor tasks like clipping leashes or opening treat bags
  • Bilateral coordination activities
  • Sensory exposure through interactive play
  • Strengthening upper-body muscles through play
Speech therapy with an AAT dog includes:
  • Practicing expressive language by asking the dog to sit or shake
  • Articulation work through dog-themed tasks
  • Learning how to take turns and communicate in social settings
For children struggling with regulation, anxiety or trauma, therapy dogs provide a safe, comforting presence.

What AAT Sessions Look Like

All sessions vary based on a child’s goals.

Physical therapy with an AAT dog includes:
  • Walking the dog using an adaptive leash
  • Stepping over obstacles as the dog models movement
  • Throwing a ball to strengthen range of motion
  • Practicing transfers to “get closer” to the dog
  • Balancing while brushing or petting the dog
Occupational therapy with an AAT dog includes:
  • Fine-motor tasks like clipping leashes or opening treat bags
  • Bilateral coordination activities
  • Sensory exposure through interactive play
  • Strengthening upper-body muscles through play
Speech therapy with an AAT dog includes:
  • Practicing expressive language by asking the dog to sit or shake
  • Articulation work through dog-themed tasks
  • Learning how to take turns and communicate in social settings
For children struggling with regulation, anxiety or trauma, therapy dogs provide a safe, comforting presence.
Mary Free Bed Kids patient shown with animal assisted therapy dog laying on their lap.

What AAT Sessions Look Like

All sessions vary based on a child’s goals.

Physical therapy with an AAT dog includes:
  • Walking the dog using an adaptive leash
  • Stepping over obstacles as the dog models movement
  • Throwing a ball to strengthen range of motion
  • Practicing transfers to “get closer” to the dog
  • Balancing while brushing or petting the dog
Occupational therapy with an AAT dog includes:
  • Fine-motor tasks like clipping leashes or opening treat bags
  • Bilateral coordination activities
  • Sensory exposure through interactive play
  • Strengthening upper-body muscles through play
Speech therapy with an AAT dog includes:
  • Practicing expressive language by asking the dog to sit or shake
  • Articulation work through dog-themed tasks
  • Learning how to take turns and communicate in social settings
For children struggling with regulation, anxiety or trauma, therapy dogs provide a safe, comforting presence.

What AAT Sessions Look Like

All sessions vary based on a child’s goals.

Physical therapy with an AAT dog includes:
  • Walking the dog using an adaptive leash
  • Stepping over obstacles as the dog models movement
  • Throwing a ball to strengthen range of motion
  • Practicing transfers to “get closer” to the dog
  • Balancing while brushing or petting the dog
Occupational therapy with an AAT dog includes:
  • Fine-motor tasks like clipping leashes or opening treat bags
  • Bilateral coordination activities
  • Sensory exposure through interactive play
  • Strengthening upper-body muscles through play
Speech therapy with an AAT dog includes:
  • Practicing expressive language by asking the dog to sit or shake
  • Articulation work through dog-themed tasks
  • Learning how to take turns and communicate in social settings
For children struggling with regulation, anxiety or trauma, therapy dogs provide a safe, comforting presence.
Mary Free Bed Kids patient shown with animal assisted therapy dog laying on their lap.

What AAT Sessions Look Like

All sessions vary based on a child’s goals.

Physical therapy with an AAT dog includes:
  • Walking the dog using an adaptive leash
  • Stepping over obstacles as the dog models movement
  • Throwing a ball to strengthen range of motion
  • Practicing transfers to “get closer” to the dog
  • Balancing while brushing or petting the dog
Occupational therapy with an AAT dog includes:
  • Fine-motor tasks like clipping leashes or opening treat bags
  • Bilateral coordination activities
  • Sensory exposure through interactive play
  • Strengthening upper-body muscles through play
Speech therapy with an AAT dog includes:
  • Practicing expressive language by asking the dog to sit or shake
  • Articulation work through dog-themed tasks
  • Learning how to take turns and communicate in social settings
For children struggling with regulation, anxiety or trauma, therapy dogs provide a safe, comforting presence.
Animal-Assisted therapy at Mary Free Bed Kids

Who benefits from AAT?

AAT supports children with: Each child is evaluated individually to ensure AAT is clinically appropriate and aligned with treatment goals.

Who benefits from AAT?

AAT supports children with: Each child is evaluated individually to ensure AAT is clinically appropriate and aligned with treatment goals.
Animal-Assisted therapy at Mary Free Bed Kids

Who benefits from AAT?

AAT supports children with: Each child is evaluated individually to ensure AAT is clinically appropriate and aligned with treatment goals.

Who benefits from AAT?

AAT supports children with: Each child is evaluated individually to ensure AAT is clinically appropriate and aligned with treatment goals.
Animal-Assisted therapy at Mary Free Bed Kids

Who benefits from AAT?

AAT supports children with: Each child is evaluated individually to ensure AAT is clinically appropriate and aligned with treatment goals.

Who benefits from AAT?

AAT supports children with: Each child is evaluated individually to ensure AAT is clinically appropriate and aligned with treatment goals.
Animal-Assisted therapy at Mary Free Bed Kids

Who benefits from AAT?

AAT supports children with: Each child is evaluated individually to ensure AAT is clinically appropriate and aligned with treatment goals.
A pediatric patient taking a photo of an animal-assisted therapy dog.

Supportive Spaces

Our therapy spaces are designed specifically for children and dog-friendly activities. They include child-sized equipment, sensory-aware areas and zones designated for movement and interactive play. Caregivers may participate to reinforce gains at home, and every session integrates seamlessly with the child’s therapy plan.

Supportive Spaces

Our therapy spaces are designed specifically for children and dog-friendly activities. They include child-sized equipment, sensory-aware areas and zones designated for movement and interactive play. Caregivers may participate to reinforce gains at home, and every session integrates seamlessly with the child’s therapy plan.
A pediatric patient taking a photo of an animal-assisted therapy dog.

Supportive Spaces

Our therapy spaces are designed specifically for children and dog-friendly activities. They include child-sized equipment, sensory-aware areas and zones designated for movement and interactive play. Caregivers may participate to reinforce gains at home, and every session integrates seamlessly with the child’s therapy plan.

Supportive Spaces

Our therapy spaces are designed specifically for children and dog-friendly activities. They include child-sized equipment, sensory-aware areas and zones designated for movement and interactive play. Caregivers may participate to reinforce gains at home, and every session integrates seamlessly with the child’s therapy plan.
A pediatric patient taking a photo of an animal-assisted therapy dog.

Supportive Spaces

Our therapy spaces are designed specifically for children and dog-friendly activities. They include child-sized equipment, sensory-aware areas and zones designated for movement and interactive play. Caregivers may participate to reinforce gains at home, and every session integrates seamlessly with the child’s therapy plan.

Supportive Spaces

Our therapy spaces are designed specifically for children and dog-friendly activities. They include child-sized equipment, sensory-aware areas and zones designated for movement and interactive play. Caregivers may participate to reinforce gains at home, and every session integrates seamlessly with the child’s therapy plan.
A pediatric patient taking a photo of an animal-assisted therapy dog.

Supportive Spaces

Our therapy spaces are designed specifically for children and dog-friendly activities. They include child-sized equipment, sensory-aware areas and zones designated for movement and interactive play. Caregivers may participate to reinforce gains at home, and every session integrates seamlessly with the child’s therapy plan.
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital exterior at 235 Wealthy Street SE, featuring the orange monument sign with words Inspiration, Freedom, Ability, and Hope

Safety and Standards

Safety is our top priority. At Mary Free Bed Kids AAT dogs:
  • Receive regular health screenings
  • Follow strict grooming protocols
  • Are trained for clinical environments
  • Work limited hours to prevent fatigue
  • Respond calmly to medical equipment
We follow infection control procedures, allergy checks, parental consent processes and clear guidelines for safe interactions.

What can families expect?

Families often observe:
  • Reduced fear during therapy
  • Increased verbal communication
  • Improved participation
  • More confidence and willingness to try new tasks
  • Better emotional regulation
Many parents also report improved behavior and confidence at home, as well as lasting emotional connections formed through AAT.

Safety and Standards

Safety is our top priority. At Mary Free Bed Kids AAT dogs:
  • Receive regular health screenings
  • Follow strict grooming protocols
  • Are trained for clinical environments
  • Work limited hours to prevent fatigue
  • Respond calmly to medical equipment
We follow infection control procedures, allergy checks, parental consent processes and clear guidelines for safe interactions.

What can families expect?

Families often observe:
  • Reduced fear during therapy
  • Increased verbal communication
  • Improved participation
  • More confidence and willingness to try new tasks
  • Better emotional regulation
Many parents also report improved behavior and confidence at home, as well as lasting emotional connections formed through AAT.
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital exterior at 235 Wealthy Street SE, featuring the orange monument sign with words Inspiration, Freedom, Ability, and Hope

Safety and Standards

Safety is our top priority. At Mary Free Bed Kids AAT dogs:
  • Receive regular health screenings
  • Follow strict grooming protocols
  • Are trained for clinical environments
  • Work limited hours to prevent fatigue
  • Respond calmly to medical equipment
We follow infection control procedures, allergy checks, parental consent processes and clear guidelines for safe interactions.

What can families expect?

Families often observe:
  • Reduced fear during therapy
  • Increased verbal communication
  • Improved participation
  • More confidence and willingness to try new tasks
  • Better emotional regulation
Many parents also report improved behavior and confidence at home, as well as lasting emotional connections formed through AAT.

Safety and Standards

Safety is our top priority. At Mary Free Bed Kids AAT dogs:
  • Receive regular health screenings
  • Follow strict grooming protocols
  • Are trained for clinical environments
  • Work limited hours to prevent fatigue
  • Respond calmly to medical equipment
We follow infection control procedures, allergy checks, parental consent processes and clear guidelines for safe interactions.

What can families expect?

Families often observe:
  • Reduced fear during therapy
  • Increased verbal communication
  • Improved participation
  • More confidence and willingness to try new tasks
  • Better emotional regulation
Many parents also report improved behavior and confidence at home, as well as lasting emotional connections formed through AAT.
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital exterior at 235 Wealthy Street SE, featuring the orange monument sign with words Inspiration, Freedom, Ability, and Hope

Safety and Standards

Safety is our top priority. At Mary Free Bed Kids AAT dogs:
  • Receive regular health screenings
  • Follow strict grooming protocols
  • Are trained for clinical environments
  • Work limited hours to prevent fatigue
  • Respond calmly to medical equipment
We follow infection control procedures, allergy checks, parental consent processes and clear guidelines for safe interactions.

What can families expect?

Families often observe:
  • Reduced fear during therapy
  • Increased verbal communication
  • Improved participation
  • More confidence and willingness to try new tasks
  • Better emotional regulation
Many parents also report improved behavior and confidence at home, as well as lasting emotional connections formed through AAT.

Safety and Standards

Safety is our top priority. At Mary Free Bed Kids AAT dogs:
  • Receive regular health screenings
  • Follow strict grooming protocols
  • Are trained for clinical environments
  • Work limited hours to prevent fatigue
  • Respond calmly to medical equipment
We follow infection control procedures, allergy checks, parental consent processes and clear guidelines for safe interactions.

What can families expect?

Families often observe:
  • Reduced fear during therapy
  • Increased verbal communication
  • Improved participation
  • More confidence and willingness to try new tasks
  • Better emotional regulation
Many parents also report improved behavior and confidence at home, as well as lasting emotional connections formed through AAT.
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital exterior at 235 Wealthy Street SE, featuring the orange monument sign with words Inspiration, Freedom, Ability, and Hope

Safety and Standards

Safety is our top priority. At Mary Free Bed Kids AAT dogs:
  • Receive regular health screenings
  • Follow strict grooming protocols
  • Are trained for clinical environments
  • Work limited hours to prevent fatigue
  • Respond calmly to medical equipment
We follow infection control procedures, allergy checks, parental consent processes and clear guidelines for safe interactions.

What can families expect?

Families often observe:
  • Reduced fear during therapy
  • Increased verbal communication
  • Improved participation
  • More confidence and willingness to try new tasks
  • Better emotional regulation
Many parents also report improved behavior and confidence at home, as well as lasting emotional connections formed through AAT.
Animal-assisted therapy dog lying on patient's lap

Why Families Choose Mary Free Bed Kids

Families choose Mary Free Bed Kids because:
  • Our therapists are specially trained in pediatric and adolescent rehabilitation
  • We provide measurable clinical outcomes
  • Our approach to care is family centered
  • We utilize a developmentally aligned, play-based approach
Our mission is to help every child move, communicate, learn and thrive.

Why Families Choose Mary Free Bed Kids

Families choose Mary Free Bed Kids because:
  • Our therapists are specially trained in pediatric and adolescent rehabilitation
  • We provide measurable clinical outcomes
  • Our approach to care is family centered
  • We utilize a developmentally aligned, play-based approach
Our mission is to help every child move, communicate, learn and thrive.
Animal-assisted therapy dog lying on patient's lap

Why Families Choose Mary Free Bed Kids

Families choose Mary Free Bed Kids because:
  • Our therapists are specially trained in pediatric and adolescent rehabilitation
  • We provide measurable clinical outcomes
  • Our approach to care is family centered
  • We utilize a developmentally aligned, play-based approach
Our mission is to help every child move, communicate, learn and thrive.

Why Families Choose Mary Free Bed Kids

Families choose Mary Free Bed Kids because:
  • Our therapists are specially trained in pediatric and adolescent rehabilitation
  • We provide measurable clinical outcomes
  • Our approach to care is family centered
  • We utilize a developmentally aligned, play-based approach
Our mission is to help every child move, communicate, learn and thrive.
Animal-assisted therapy dog lying on patient's lap

Why Families Choose Mary Free Bed Kids

Families choose Mary Free Bed Kids because:
  • Our therapists are specially trained in pediatric and adolescent rehabilitation
  • We provide measurable clinical outcomes
  • Our approach to care is family centered
  • We utilize a developmentally aligned, play-based approach
Our mission is to help every child move, communicate, learn and thrive.

Why Families Choose Mary Free Bed Kids

Families choose Mary Free Bed Kids because:
  • Our therapists are specially trained in pediatric and adolescent rehabilitation
  • We provide measurable clinical outcomes
  • Our approach to care is family centered
  • We utilize a developmentally aligned, play-based approach
Our mission is to help every child move, communicate, learn and thrive.
Animal-assisted therapy dog lying on patient's lap

Why Families Choose Mary Free Bed Kids

Families choose Mary Free Bed Kids because:
  • Our therapists are specially trained in pediatric and adolescent rehabilitation
  • We provide measurable clinical outcomes
  • Our approach to care is family centered
  • We utilize a developmentally aligned, play-based approach
Our mission is to help every child move, communicate, learn and thrive.
Mary Free Bed therapist and young female wheelchair user engaging with a golden retriever therapy dog during a rehabilitation session

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Wherever your child is on their rehabilitation journey, we’re here to help every step of the way. Our pediatric specialists are ready to listen, support and guide your family through recovery. Whether your child is just beginning treatment or continuing progress from earlier care, our team is committed to encouraging their growth, celebrating milestones and supporting every goal—big and small. 

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