Olekh N.S.
APPLICATION OF ANIMAL THERAPY IN SOCIAL WORK: RUSSIAN EXPERIENCE *
Аннотация:
the article analyzes the use of animal therapy as an innovative method of social rehabilitation in Russia. A definition of animal therapy is given and its main varieties are considered (hippotherapy, canistherapy, dolphin and feline therapy). The theoretical effect of interaction between humans and animals (psychotherapeutic and psychophysiological functions) is studied, as well as the features and areas of practical application in the domestic social sphere. Examples of specific organizations and projects are given: equestrian centers, clubs for the disabled and charitable foundations working with children and adults with disabilities. Based on the analysis, conclusions are made about the potential of the technique and recommendations are given for its further development in the social assistance system.
Ключевые слова:
animal therapy, social work, inclusion, rehabilitation, dogs, horses
In recent years, there has been a growing interest among social work professionals in non-traditional methods of supporting vulnerable population groups.Animal-assisted therapy (also referred to in the literature as "faunotherapy" or "zootherapy"), which involves therapeutic interaction between humans and animals, has long been recognized internationally as an effective method of rehabilitation and psychosocial support.Experts note that in many countries around the world, animal-assisted therapy has become a widely accepted practice and is actively used in the United States and Europe. At the same time, in Russia this method is still at the formative stage: it is reported that the practice is currently underdeveloped in our country, although there are already isolated successful projects in hippotherapy, canisterapy, and other forms of animal-assisted interventions. Moreover, researchers observe that among innovative approaches in working with people with disabilities, animal-assisted therapy demonstrates high demand.The purpose of this article is to analyze the theoretical foundations of animal-assisted therapy and to assess the Russian experience of its application within social work practice.To achieve this goal, the following aspects are sequentially examined in the paper:The nature and forms of animal-assisted therapy,Psychological and physiological mechanisms of its impact,Examples of practical implementation in Russia,Conclusions and recommendations.The article is based on the analysis of both domestic and international publications, as well as materials from specialized programs and initiatives in the field of social assistance (health and rehabilitation centers, charitable foundations, government initiatives).Theoretical Overview.The term "animal-assisted therapy" (from Latin animal – "animal") refers to a range of therapeutic practices in which animals serve as catalysts for positive emotional, psychological, and physiological changes in humans. In both domestic and international literature, it is often used interchangeably with the terms "faunotherapy" and "zootherapy." The core concept of this method is treatment through direct contact with animals, integrating elements of psychotherapy, play, and social adaptation. Crucially, during such sessions, the clients attention is redirected toward interaction with the animal, which helps reduce anxiety, enhances motivation for communication, and engages the patient’s body in relaxed physical activity.The most common forms of animal-assisted therapy are differentiated by the type of animal involved. These include primarily hippotherapy (therapeutic use of horseback riding), canisterapy (Canisterapy is a form of animal-assisted therapy in which specially trained dogs are used as therapeutic agents.) (interaction with dogs), dolphin therapy (structured interaction with dolphins in pools), and felinotherapy (work with cats). Each of these modalities can be tailored to meet the specific needs of clients: for example, hippotherapy is particularly effective in improving coordination and muscle tone, while canisterapy is more commonly employed in the psychological rehabilitation of children with behavioral disorders. It should be noted that canisterapy is considered the most accessible and widespread form of animal-assisted therapy: dogs are relatively inexpensive to maintain, easily trainable, and often evoke positive responses even from inhibited or anxious individuals.The effectiveness of animal-assisted therapy is attributed to several key functions it fulfills within a psychosocial context.Firstly, direct contact with animals has a psychotherapeutic effect, promoting the development of empathy and enhancing communication skills. Animals help individuals "open up," reducing barriers created by social fear and emotional withdrawal.Secondly, the psychophysiological function of animal-assisted therapy is evident: interaction with animals contributes to reduced stress levels, normalization of blood pressure, and alleviation of anxiety.Thirdly, the rehabilitative function is observed: animals aid in the overall psychological and social rehabilitation of individuals, stimulating an increase in self-esteem and perceived self-efficacy.Thus, one can speak of the "inclusive effect" of animal-assisted therapy: patients receive motivation for active life engagement. Moreover, some authors emphasize that interaction with animals expands the possibilities of inclusive education and rehabilitation. In particular, Gusev [1, p. 102] highlights the development of social responsibility and empathy among participants in such programs, while Yemelyanova [2, p. 56] points to the benefits of an interdisciplinary approach—combining psychological and social support—in organizing animal-assisted therapeutic activities.Finally, empirical data confirm the claimed advantages of animal-assisted therapy. Sociological and medical studies show that even the mere presence of an animal in a hospital ward or a childrens center can accelerate the recovery process: patients demonstrate improved mood, reduced aggression, and decreased feelings of loneliness.For example, in experimental programs involving children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities (NRRS – neurodevelopmental disorders), a noticeable reduction in anxiety and improvement in social skills are recorded after completing courses involving interaction with dogs or horses. At the same time, this method requires a careful and individualized approach—it is not universally applicable. There are several contraindications (acute illnesses, epilepsy, allergies to fur, etc.), as specialists caution.Overall, animal-assisted therapy is viewed as a complementary approach to traditional methods of rehabilitation and psycho-correction, combining the benefits of natural human-animal interaction with scientifically grounded therapeutic techniques.Animal-Assisted Therapy in Russia: Practice and Implementation.To date, Russia has accumulated a number of visible examples of the application of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) within the social sector. In several regions, specialized centers and organizations have been established that integrate this practice into rehabilitation programs.For instance, since 1996, the Sun Island Equestrian Charity Center has been operating in St. Petersburg, offering free hippotherapy sessions. According to the centers reports, approximately 300 individuals (children and adults with cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, poliomyelitis, and other diagnoses) participate annually. The sessions are conducted under the supervision of professionals — breeders and instructors in Therapeutic Riding (TR) — enabling participants to perform riding movements that strengthen muscles and improve balance.Similar initiatives have been developed in Siberia: since 2000, the Tikhomirov Charitable Public Foundation in Irkutsk has been implementing rehabilitation programs for children with disabilities through therapeutic horseback riding.Canisterapy is also widely practiced. In Moscow, Tatyana Lyubimova founded the country’s first organization dedicated to this method — "Sunny Pies" ("Solnechny Pёs"). Trained Labradors and Retrievers conduct sessions with children aged 3–16 who suffer from serious medical and psychological conditions.According to organizers observations, after completing such courses, patients show improvements in motor coordination and memory, as well as an increased desire to communicate with others. The Moscow project includes both individual and group sessions, employing play and obedience training as psychotherapeutic tools. At the same time, several charitable foundations implementing canisterapy have emerged in other regions.For example, the "Paw in the Palm" foundation in Novosibirsk conducts dog-assisted therapy sessions for children with psychophysical impairments, while similar programs operate in Ryazan, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Vladivostok, Omsk, and other cities. These cities often replicate the model of "Sunny Pies," adapting its methods to train volunteers in conducting inclusive activities.Thus, the majority of these initiatives are concentrated primarily in large cities and regional centers. Moscow and St. Petersburg alone account for more than half of all known animal-assisted social projects, targeting both people with disabilities and low-income families. In other regions, the work is carried out by non-profit organizations and enthusiasts.According to researchers, over 80% of social work professionals in major Russian cities are already familiar with the methodology of animal-assisted therapy and recognize its potential benefits [4, p. 34].Nevertheless, several challenges remain:Firstly, there is no unified regulatory or legal framework governing such practices — approaches to animal training and quality control of services vary significantly.Secondly, logistical difficulties and administrative barriers often arise when organizing animal-based interventions.Thirdly, some experts highlight potential risks — for example, regular interaction with dogs may reduce childrens natural caution around animals, necessitating careful selection of therapists and implementation of monitoring mechanisms.Table 1 provides generalized data on the number of animal-assisted therapy programs in social institutions across various regions of Russia as of 2022. As shown, most projects are concentrated in megacities, with target groups including children with disabilities, at-risk youth, and elderly individuals. It should be noted that these figures are averaged and partially based on expert assessments (from the "Sotspraktika" Training Center and reports from municipal departments of social protection).Table 1. Animal-Assisted Therapy Programs in Social Institutions Across Russian Regions (2022).Conclusions.The analysis demonstrates that animal-assisted therapy (AAT) holds significant potential for addressing social and rehabilitation challenges in Russia. Practical projects have shown a wide range of positive effects, including improved emotional well-being, increased motivation to learn, and enhanced communication skills among children and adults with special needs. However, the method requires comprehensive support: it is essential to train qualified specialists, develop methodological guidelines, and establish legal standards.Currently, AAT achieves the greatest impact when combined with other social support programs. Integrating animals into activities involving children with disabilities and adolescents from disadvantaged families allows for more effective utilization of their personal resources and increases the overall effectiveness and appeal of rehabilitation efforts. Abroad, such programs are long-established components of rehabilitation standards, while in Russia, pilot studies and large-scale initiatives are needed to demonstrate the methods economic and social efficiency.Recommended steps for advancing animal-assisted therapy in the social work sector include conducting systematic research (e.g., through sociological surveys and medical assessments), expanding interregional cooperation (via knowledge exchange between centers), and developing training courses for social workers. The findings indicate that further development of this approach is justified, as AAT opens new avenues for supporting the most vulnerable population groups and strengthening the capacity of social support systems.
Номер журнала Вестник науки №6 (87) том 1
Ссылка для цитирования:
Olekh N.S. APPLICATION OF ANIMAL THERAPY IN SOCIAL WORK: RUSSIAN EXPERIENCE // Вестник науки №6 (87) том 1. С. 1201 - 1208. 2025 г. ISSN 2712-8849 // Электронный ресурс: https://www.вестник-науки.рф/article/23728 (дата обращения: 13.07.2025 г.)
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