{"id":589,"date":"2020-02-19T20:07:57","date_gmt":"2020-02-19T20:07:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/maryfreebed.comservices\/animal-assisted-therapy\/"},"modified":"2026-03-06T17:24:00","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T17:24:00","slug":"animal-assisted-therapy","status":"publish","type":"services","link":"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/services\/animal-assisted-therapy\/","title":{"rendered":"Animal-Assisted Intervention"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":""},"tags":[760,757,259,759,761,764,766,192,758],"modal_window":[405,16],"class_list":["post-589","services","type-services","status-publish","hentry","tag-aat","tag-animal","tag-animal-assisted-therapy","tag-assisted-therapy-dog","tag-dog","tag-puppies","tag-rec-therapy","tag-recreational-therapy","tag-therapy-dog","modal_window-kids-nav-conditions-and-services","modal_window-kids-conditions-services"],"acf":{"kids_branding":true,"title_override":"","individual_page_toggle":true,"body_sections":[{"acf_fc_layout":"image_and_content_overlap","section_options":{"wrapper_width":"","custom_class":"","section_id":""},"image_and_content_overlap":{"image":125287,"text_holder":{"content":"<h2>Pediatric Animal-Assisted Intervention at Mary Free Bed Kids<\/h2>\r\nChildren 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\u2019s unique emotional and developmental needs. The Animal-Assisted Intervention (AAI) 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.\r\n\r\nAAI goes beyond visiting with a dog\u2014it\u2019s 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:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Improving mobility and stamina.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Improving coordination and fine-motor skills.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Strengthening communication and emotional regulation.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nFor many children, a therapy dog becomes a motivating partner who turns challenging work into joyful progress."}}},{"acf_fc_layout":"content_left_and_image_right","section_options":{"wrapper_width":"","custom_class":"background-lt-gray","section_id":""},"image_fit":"cover","image_zoom":false,"text_holder":{"content_editor":"<h2>Why Animal-Assisted Intervention Matters<\/h2>\r\nChildren 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\u2019s rehabilitation plan:\r\n\r\n<strong>Comfort and confidence increase.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nDogs provide non-judgmental companionship, easing fear, anxiety during separation from caregivers. When children feel safe, they\u2019re more willing to try new tasks.\r\n\r\n<strong>Therapy becomes more meaningful.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nWhen 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.\r\n\r\n<strong>Motivation skyrockets.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nMany children will walk farther to brush a dog. They\u2019ll also annunciate to give a command, or complete fine-motor tasks to reward their furry partner with a treat.\r\n\r\n<strong>Children learn how to self-regulate.<\/strong>\r\n\r\nAAI 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."},"image":125324},{"acf_fc_layout":"wysiwyg","section_options":{"wrapper_width":"","custom_class":"","section_id":""},"content_editor":"<h2>How Our Program Works<\/h2>\r\nAt Mary Free Bed Kids, AAI is intentionally structured as part of a child\u2019s overall rehabilitation plan. Therapy dogs work under the supervision of recreational therapists, who collaborate with physical, occupational and speech therapists to integrate the dog\u2019s skills into treatment goals.\r\n\r\nHighly Trained Therapy Dogs\r\n\r\nOur 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.\r\n\r\nIntegrated Treatment Sessions\r\n\r\nAAI 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.\r\n<h2><\/h2>\r\n<h2>What AAI Sessions Look Like<\/h2>\r\nAAI sessions vary based on a child\u2019s goals.\r\n\r\nPhysical therapy with an AAI dog includes:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Walking the dog using an adaptive leash.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Stepping over obstacles as the dog models movement.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Throwing a ball to strengthen range of motion.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Practicing transfers to \u201cget closer\u201d to the dog.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Balancing while brushing or petting the dog.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nOccupational therapy with an AAI dog includes:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Fine-motor tasks like clipping leashes or opening treat bags.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Bilateral coordination activities.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Sensory exposure through interactive play.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Strengthening upper-body muscles through play.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nSpeech therapy with an AAI dog includes:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Practicing expressive language by asking the dog to sit or shake.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Articulation work through dog-themed tasks.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Learning how to take turns and communicate in social settings.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nFor children struggling with regulation, anxiety or trauma, therapy dogs provide a safe, comforting presence.\r\n<h2><\/h2>\r\n<h2>Who benefits from AAI?<\/h2>\r\nAAI supports children with:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/conditions\/cerebral-palsy\/\">Cerebral palsy<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/conditions\/autism\/\">Autism spectrum disorder<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/services\/early-development\/\">Developmental delays<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Down syndrome<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/conditions\/kids-spinal-cord-injury\/\">Traumatic brain injury<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/conditions\/orthopedic\/\">Orthopedic injuries<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Sensory processing disorders<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Anxiety or adjustment-related conditions<\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/services\/speech-language-therapy\/\">Speech and language delays<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li>Behavioral regulation needs<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Complex medical conditions<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nEach child is evaluated individually to ensure AAI is clinically appropriate and aligned with treatment goals."},{"acf_fc_layout":"content_right_and_image_left","section_options":{"wrapper_width":"","custom_class":"background-lt-gray","section_id":""},"image_fit":"cover","image_zoom":false,"image":125327,"text_holder":{"content_editor":"<h2><span data-contrast=\"none\">Supportive Spaces<\/span><\/h2>\r\nOur 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\u2019s therapy plan."}},{"acf_fc_layout":"wysiwyg","section_options":{"wrapper_width":"","custom_class":"","section_id":""},"content_editor":"<h2><span data-contrast=\"none\">Safety and Standards<\/span><\/h2>\r\nSafety is our top priority. At Mary Free Bed Kids AAI dogs:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Receive regular health screenings.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Follow strict grooming protocols.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Are trained for clinical environments.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Work limited hours to prevent fatigue.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Respond calmly to medical equipment.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWe follow infection control procedures, allergy checks, parental consent processes and clear guidelines for safe interactions.\r\n<h2><\/h2>\r\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"none\">What can families expect?<\/span><\/h2>\r\nFamilies often observe:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Reduced fear during therapy.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Increased verbal communication.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Improved participation.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>More confidence and willingness to try new tasks.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Better emotional regulation.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nMany parents also report improved behavior and confidence at home, as well as lasting emotional connections formed through AAI.\r\n<h2><\/h2>\r\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"none\">Why Families Choose Mary Free Bed Kids<\/span><\/h2>\r\nFamilies choose Mary Free Bed Kids because:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Our therapists are specially trained in pediatric and adolescent rehabilitation.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We provide measurable clinical outcomes.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Our approach to care is family centered.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>We utilize a developmentally aligned, play-based approach<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nOur mission is to help every child move, communicate, learn and thrive.\r\n<h2><\/h2>\r\n<h2><span data-contrast=\"none\">Schedule Pediatric Animal-Assisted Intervention<\/span><\/h2>\r\nYour child deserves therapy that feels meaningful, motivating and filled with possibility.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/schedule-kids-care\/\">Schedule care today<\/a> to connect with our pediatric rehabilitation team and learn how the Animal-Assisted Intervention Program can enhance your child\u2019s healing, growth and independence."},{"acf_fc_layout":"video_row","section_options":{"wrapper_width":"","custom_class":"","section_id":""},"video_row":{"vid_holder":{"youtube_id":"","image":125284},"text_holder":{"subtitle":"","title":"Faith, Family &amp; Strength: Madeline\u2019s Brain Injury Recovery Story","content":"","button":{"title":"Watch Now","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=lyq6tw4y_QQ","target":"_blank"}}}},{"acf_fc_layout":"wysiwyg","section_options":{"wrapper_width":"","custom_class":"","section_id":""},"content_editor":"[gallery size=\"large\" ids=\"125326,125373,125323,125372,125325,125371\"]"}]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/services\/589","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/services"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/services"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=589"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=589"},{"taxonomy":"modal_window","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/modal_window?post=589"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}