Animal Assisted Therapy Toronto
Meet Summer,
my four-legged co-therapist
Summer is a focal point of our unique occupational therapy service at AAT Toronto. She brings a calm, comforting presence to every session. She naturally feels at ease around people and helps others feel the same — often within minutes. Gentle, patient, and deeply attuned, she has a special way of inviting connection while respecting boundaries. She seems to intuitively know when someone needs space and when they’re ready for a little more closeness. This is the key to effective animal assisted therapy.
She loves soft belly and ear rubs, relaxing in the sunshine, and quietly sitting beside clients as they work through their goals. Whether she’s encouraging engagement, supporting regulation, or simply sharing a peaceful moment, she has a remarkable ability to bring out smiles and create a sense of safety.
Together, Summer and Ali transform hard work into something fun and motivating — turning challenges into games, practice into play, and therapy into an experience clients look forward to, only at Animal Assisted Therapy Toronto.
What is Animal-Assisted Therapy?
Animal-Assisted Therapy is a goal-directed occupational therapy approach that includes
the involvement of a trained therapy dog to enhance engagement, participation, and overall therapeutic outcomes. The presence of an animal can help children feel safe, supported, and motivated, making it easier to connect, take risks, and practice new skills.
Through interactive, play-based, and movement-based activities with Summer the dog, children work toward goals that are meaningful and functional to them and their families.
Areas of Focus
Animal-Assisted, Occupational Therapy can support development across several key areas, including:
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Self-regulation and emotional coping
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Attention, focus, and task completion
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Executive functioning (planning, organization, problem-solving)
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Fine motor skills (handwriting, cutting, manipulation)
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Gross motor skills (balance, coordination, body awareness)
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Sensory processing and modulation
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Social interaction and play skills
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Communication within daily activities
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Self-care skills (dressing, feeding, hygiene)
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School readiness and academic participation
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Independence in daily routines
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Confidence, resilience, and participation in meaningful activities
Each session is tailored to your child’s goals, strengths, and comfort level. Activities may include gentle play, grooming, movement-based challenges, or cooperative tasks with an animal designed to promote engagement and regulation.
The Benefits of AAT
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Builds trust and emotional safety, improving engagement
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Supports regulation and reduces anxiety
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Makes motivating, playful, and rewarding
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Encourages communication and social interactions
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Builds confidence and independence
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Integrates motor and functional skill practice into meaningful activities
Getting Started
If you're interested in learning more about Animal-Assisted Therapy, we invite you to schedule a consultation to determine if this approach is the right fit for your child. During the consultation, an occupational therapist will discuss your child's needs, goals, and environment, and help you decide whether incorporating an animal into treatment is right for you.
Common Questions
Is Animal-Assisted Therapy still occupational therapy?
Yes. Animal-Assisted therapy is simply a treatment approach within occupational therapy. All sessions target individualized OT goals and can still be billed as OT services or applied through OAP funding.
How is the dog trained and kept safe for therapy?
Summer is a well-socialized, and temperate dog, and is continuously handled and supervised by the therapist at all times. She receives regular health checks and grooming, and interactions are closely monitored. Before beginning Animal-Assisted Therapy services, caregivers complete a screening form to ensure the approach is an appropriate and safe fit for the child AND the dog. Both the child's comfort and the dog's well-being are prioritized - if either needs a break, the interaction is paused or stops immediately.
Does my child have to interact with the dog?
No. Interaction is always optional and child-led. Some children engage a lot, some a little, and some prefer the dog to simply be nearby for comfort - all of these are valid and therapeutic.
Will my child just play with the dog?
It may look like play, but every activity is purposeful and goal-directed. Skills such as regulation, motor coordination, communication, planning, and independence are practiced through meanginful interactions.
How do we get started?
Starting is easy! Simply book a free consultation call to make sure Animal-Assisted Therapy feels like the right fit for your child and family. From there, we schedule an occupational therapy assessment. After the assessment, we'll discuss your child's unique needs and create a personalized therapy plan that thoughtfully integrates the gentle, transformative support of our animal partners.