The animal-human bond is strong, often creating the sense of acceptance, emotional balance, and purpose for the human in the relationship. Through this paper, the readers will learn the importance of the animal-human bond in healthcare and how the incorporation of animals into the school-based setting increases student occupational performance. The impact of the Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT), on the profession of occupational therapy, while striving to meet the American Occupational Therapy Association’s Centennial Vision through developing an innovative, community-based practice is discussed in this program proposal.
